Customs officers intercept attempted smuggling of gold and Chinese coins at Tashkent airport

The items, concealed in a cosmetic cream container, were discovered during a routine baggage inspection and have an estimated value of 223 million UZS (approximately $18,800), according to the Customs Committee.

During the inspection, customs officials found six gold bars weighing a total of 187 grams and seven coins inscribed with Chinese characters, all hidden within the passenger’s hand luggage. A further search of the individual revealed a 20-gram gold ring. None of these items had been declared for customs control as required.

Following the discovery, the items were confiscated, and authorities launched a criminal investigation. Customs officials reiterated that Uzbekistan’s regulations permit individuals to transport jewelry items valued up to 100 million UZS without a declaration. However, items valued over this amount must be declared, and cultural artifacts more than 50 years old cannot be exported from the country.