Uzbekistan, Tashkent – In a joint special operation conducted by the State Security Service and the Customs Committee, a batch of illegally imported goods worth 33.5 billion Uzbek soums (approximately $2.7 million) was uncovered in the capital. The majority of the seized items consisted of nearly 2 million packs of tobacco products lacking excise stamps. A criminal case has been initiated in connection with this incident, and an investigation is currently underway.

During inspections of warehouse facilities, law enforcement officials discovered large quantities of uncertified products. In addition to the tobacco items, over 800 kilograms of food products, imported into the republic in violation of established regulations, were confiscated. According to documentation, the warehouse tenants had officially declared activities in the sale of auto parts and provision of services to the public, but in practice, they used the premises to store goods concealed from customs control.

The authorities reminded that similar violations can be reported via the short number 1520 under conditions of full confidentiality. This hotline allows citizens to provide information on illegal activities.

Previously, Tashkent customs officials had removed a large batch of tobacco products from illegal circulation – nearly 44,000 packs of cigarettes without excise stamps were found in the Sergeli district. This new operation highlights the ongoing efforts to combat illicit trade within the country.

Source: podrobno.uz