Attempt to smuggle ancient coins and gold foiled at Tashkent airport

A person was apprehended attempting to smuggle ancient coins and gold bars out of Uzbekistan by concealing them in cosmetic cream containers. The State Customs Committee reported the incident on October 18.

During a customs inspection of a passenger's handbag at Tashkent International Airport, officers discovered six gold bars weighing a total of 187 grams and seven coins inscribed with Chinese characters, which were concealed in cosmetic cream. The items had not been declared for customs inspection.

Further investigation revealed a solid gold ring weighing 20 grams on the individual. The total estimated value of these seized items is 223 million soums. In connection with this incident, the customs authorities have initiated a criminal case.

According to current legislation, Uzbek residents and non-residents are allowed to carry jewelry valued up to 100 million soums without a customs declaration. However, items valued above this limit must be declared for export. Additionally, cultural artifacts over fifty years old are prohibited from being taken out of the country.

Previously, in the Bukhara region, another individual was caught attempting to smuggle numismatic artifacts out of Uzbekistan.