Uzbek customs prevents large-scale diesel fuel smuggling from Turkmenistan

Authorities in Uzbekistan have intercepted an attempt to illegally import diesel fuel worth 1.3 billion soums from Turkmenistan. The discovery was made during a joint operation by Uzenergoinspection and the Bukhara Regional Department of the Customs Committee, according to an official report from Uzenergoinspection.

"The smuggling attempt took place at the "Olot" border checkpoint in the Bukhara region. The shipment was falsely declared as "Bitumnaya mastika" in official documents. However, upon inspection and chemical analysis conducted by Uzenergoinspection's laboratory, the cargo was confirmed to be diesel fuel," the report states.

Authorities have seized the fuel products and filed documentation regarding the violation.

This interception follows a recent drug smuggling case, where Uzbekistan’s Border Troops and Customs Committee discovered nearly 3,000 pieces of black powder concealed inside broom handles during an operation on February 9.