Two detained in Bukhara for attempting to sell 343 grams of mercury

A joint operation carried out by the State Security Service, the Department for Combating Economic Crimes and the National Guard led to the arrest of two individuals who attempted to sell 343 grams of mercury for $35,000. The suspects were detained with material evidence.

Photo: SSS

According to the Bukhara regional office of the State Security Service, the operation was conducted in cooperation with the regional units of the Department for Combating Economic Crimes and the National Guard.

The investigation revealed that a man born in 1998 and residing in Bukhara city, together with a man born in 1984 and living in Bukhara district, had conspired in advance to illegally circulate mercury – a substance whose free sale is prohibited in Uzbekistan.

Authorities reported that the pair were caught during an attempt to sell 343 grams of mercury, packaged in three flasks, for $35,000.

A criminal case has been opened against the suspects under Article 185-1, part 2, paragraphs “b” and “v” of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code, and investigative procedures are currently under way.

Officials reminded the public that the free sale, purchase, storage or household use of mercury and mercury-containing compounds is strictly prohibited. Mercury is classified as a highly toxic substance, and its unrestricted circulation within the country is not allowed.