Uzbek security intercepts five at Namangan airport smuggling 1.1bn soums of gold to India

September 10, 2026 at 11:05 AM1 min

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Uzbek security and customs officers at Namangan airport detained five citizens attempting to fly to Delhi with 555 grams of gold bars and 200 grams of jewelry hidden inside their bodies. The seized precious metals are valued at 1.1 billion soums. A pre-investigation check is underway.

Key Facts

Five citizens from Andijan and Fergana regions were detained at Namangan airport while attempting to fly to Delhi.
The detainees had hidden 555 grams of gold bars and 200 grams of jewelry inside their bodies.
The seized precious metals are valued at 1.1 billion soums.
A pre-investigation check is being conducted by the State Security Service and customs authorities.

The Interception

Officers from the State Security Service's Namangan regional department and the regional customs department conducted an operational event at Namangan airport. Five citizens residing in Andijan and Fergana regions, who intended to fly to Delhi on the Namangan–Delhi route, were subjected to special inspection. The inspection revealed that they had used their internal organs as 'live containers' to conceal gold bars totaling 555 grams and 200 grams of jewelry.

Seized Valuables

Preliminary estimates put the total value of the seized precious metals at 1.1 billion soums. The gold bars weighed 555 grams and the jewelry weighed 200 grams. The items were being smuggled to India on the Namangan–Delhi flight.

Investigation Status

A pre-investigation check is currently underway regarding the incident. The State Security Service reported the case through its press service. No further details on charges or court proceedings have been released.