Authorities in Uzbekistan's Fergana region have thwarted a tobacco smuggling operation. The suspects were caught red-handed in Kokand while reloading counterfeit cigarettes from a Cobalt car into a Lacetti.

According to the regional customs department, a search of the vehicles uncovered 5,000 packs of foreign-made cigarettes. The goods lacked proper documentation and excise stamps.

The estimated value of the seized products is 100 million Uzbek soums. Two individuals have been detained. Pre-investigation checks are underway.

Previously, Uzbekistan had disrupted several illegal tobacco trafficking channels, seizing nearly 9,000 packs of illicit cigarettes.

Source: podrobno.uz