Customs Officials Prevent Attempted Smuggling of Eight Rare Falcons in Bostanlyk District

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In Bostanlyk District, customs officers stopped an attempt to illegally export eight live falcons from the country.

During a joint operation conducted by the Anti-Smuggling Department of the Tashkent Region Customs Directorate and personnel of the State Security Border Troops, a suspect under prior surveillance was detained at the Oktesh checkpoint for violating the state border.

A search of his bag in the presence of witnesses revealed eight live falcons. In order to conceal the birds, cruel measures had been employed: the falcons’ eyes and legs were bound, their wings taped, and they were confined in a cramped bag.

According to specialists from the Tashkent Region Department of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, all seized falcons are listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The birds have now been transferred to the Tashkent Zoo.

An investigation into the illegal trafficking of these rare species is currently underway by customs authorities.