Authorities seize $1.2 million in smuggling attempt at Tashkent border (video)

Authorities in the Tashkent region intercepted an attempt to smuggle $1,273,170 across the border into Kazakhstan without declaration or customs clearance. The State Security Service reported the incident.

During a joint operation with customs officials at the “Navoi” border checkpoint in Tashkent district, a Lacetti vehicle heading toward Kazakhstan was stopped. Upon inspection, $874,000 in cash was discovered in a plastic bag belonging to a passenger, a resident of Tashkent district born in 1978. The individual had attempted to smuggle the money without declaring it.

Further investigation revealed that the foreign currency had been collected from traders in Tashkent markets and handed over to the woman. A search of a temporary residence in the Tashkent district, belonging to a 1989-born individual, uncovered an additional $399,170 prepared for smuggling into Kazakhstan.

In total, $1,273,170 was seized as evidence during the operation.

Criminal charges have been filed under Article 25, Part 2, Clause “a” of Article 182 of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code. The suspects are currently in custody, and an investigation is underway.

Previously, at the “Yallama” border checkpoint in the Tashkent region, a smuggling attempt involving a pneumatic weapon and 1,500 rounds of ammunition was also thwarted.