Customs officers at the "Oybek" border post in Uzbekistan's Tashkent region have uncovered an unusual method of concealing undeclared valuables by a foreign national. During an inspection of hand luggage from a pedestrian traveler arriving from a neighboring country, inspectors discovered a large batch of jewelry meticulously hidden inside confectionery items.

What initially appeared to be ordinary candies drew the attention of the customs officials. Upon detailed examination, it was revealed that gold items had been carefully wrapped under the sweet wrappers instead of confectionery filling. The total weight of the detected jewelry amounted to 145.54 grams. Notably, information about transporting these precious items was not declared during the mandatory oral questioning or in the passenger customs declaration.

According to preliminary estimates by specialists, the market value of the seized batch is approximately 162 million Uzbek soums (around $12,700). Initial investigation established that the jewelry was being imported into the republic for the purpose of subsequent resale, indicating an attempt at illegal smuggling of valuables across the border.

Currently, customs authorities are conducting a pre-investigation check regarding the violation, during which a final legal assessment will be made of the foreign citizen's actions. This incident highlights ongoing challenges in border control and the need for vigilance against smuggling attempts in Central Asian transit routes.

Source: podrobno.uz