Officers of the Combating smuggling and customs audit department of the Tashkent city customs administration uncovered a criminal group involved in the smuggling and sale of large quantities of precious stones and ancient gold coins in the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

During the event, 5 citizens were detained in one of the houses in Chilanzar district, while they were selling 2.5 kg. emerald gemstone for $ 500,000 and 1 antique gold coin weighing 8 gr. brought from Afghanistan for $ 10,000.

According to preliminary studies, the gold coin, which was stopped from illegal trade in this case, belongs to the III century AD and was minted in Kushan empire.

It was also revealed that one of the suspects had 3 diamonds in his wallet.

According to estimates, the total value of the precious stones and ancient gold coins seized in this case is 16.8 billion soums.

An investigation is underway to identify other people involved in the crime.