Smuggled medicines from Kazakhstan uncovered
In a joint operation conducted by military personnel of the State Security Service Border Troops and customs officers, a large quantity of medical supplies and medicines being illegally imported from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan was discovered.
It is reported that a freight vehicle entering from Kazakhstan through the “S. Najimov” border customs post in the Qibray district of the Tashkent region was subjected to customs control. During the inspection, 52 types of medical supplies hidden among food products were uncovered.
The seized illegal cargo contained a total of 95,369 medical items and medicines. Smuggling such products is not only an economic violation but can also pose a serious risk to public health, as medicines must be introduced into circulation based on special procedures, quality control, and relevant documentation.
It was revealed that the truck was driven by a citizen born in 1973, residing in the Oltiariq district of the Fergana region. During the operation, a person born in 1986, residing in the Tashkent district, was also apprehended with material evidence while receiving the illegal cargo.
According to the relevant assessment, the total value of the confiscated medical supplies amounted to 1.323 billion soums. This figure indicates the significant scale of the incident. Importing medicines into the country in this manner risks not only illicit profit but also undermining trust in the entire healthcare system.
A criminal case has been initiated regarding this incident. Investigative actions are ongoing. Law enforcement agencies are expected to determine the origin of the illegal cargo, who organized it, and who else participated in this chain.
The SSS urged citizens to report such violations via the 1520 short number. It was also emphasized that the anonymity of the informant is guaranteed.
In short, medicines worth 1.3 billion soums, which were intended to be smuggled from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan hidden among food products, were uncovered. Such cases once again demonstrate the importance of vigilance and control. Medicine is not an ordinary commodity but a responsible product linked to human health. Those attempting to smuggle it will face the law.
