Uzbekistan has shut down several channels of illegal tobacco product trafficking, seizing nearly 9,000 packs of contraband cigarettes. The operations were carried out by the Department under the General Prosecutor's Office in coordination with other law enforcement agencies in Tashkent, Namangan, Surkhandarya regions, and Karakalpakstan.

In the Tashkent district, a citizen engaged in illegal trade was found with 3,500 packs of cigarettes lacking documents and excise stamps in a store. The entire batch was confiscated as material evidence.

In Namangan, during an inspection of a Nexia 3 car, authorities discovered 2,800 packs of cigarettes without excise stamps, along with 250 lighters. The total value of the seized goods amounted to 66.6 million soums. It was established that the products were being transported for subsequent sale.

In Surkhandarya region, at a stationary checkpoint in Boysun district, a Yutong Buss bus was stopped. During the inspection, 1,000 packs of tobacco products without excise stamps were found in the luggage compartment, intended for sale. According to law enforcement, a previously convicted citizen was involved.

Additionally, in Bozatau district of Karakalpakstan, 689 packs of illegal cigarettes put up for sale were found on a citizen at a market. The products were also confiscated.

Criminal cases have been initiated on all identified facts under the article on illegal trafficking of tobacco products. An investigation is underway.

Earlier, facts of illegal tobacco trafficking were detected in Namangan and Jizzakh regions. Law enforcement detained citizens transporting large batches of cigarettes without excise stamps.

Source: podrobno.uz