Samarkand airport customs thwart smuggling of mobile phones worth 500 million UZS

The individual, who arrived from Abu Dhabi, was stopped during a routine baggage scan. Customs officials identified 52 phones of various models that exceeded the legal import limit and were not declared in the passenger's customs documentation.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the passenger was transporting the phones on behalf of other individuals in exchange for monetary compensation. The smuggling attempt violated Uzbekistan’s customs regulations, which allow passengers to import up to two phones duty-free, provided they are declared.

A criminal case has been opened against the passenger under the applicable articles of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code. Further investigative measures are currently underway to determine the full extent of the smuggling operation and any additional parties involved.

Customs officials reiterated the importance of adhering to the country’s import rules. Passengers entering Uzbekistan through international airports can import up to two phones duty-free, but they must be listed in the passenger’s customs declaration. Failure to comply can lead to significant legal consequences.