Uzbek Customs Seize Nearly 6 Tonnes of Hydrochloric Acid

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Officers from the Anti-Smuggling Department of Uzbekistan's Customs Committee stopped the illegal sale of hydrochloric acid in Tashkent district, detaining three people while they were selling one tonne of the chemical for 14.5 million soums, the committee's press service said.

During follow-up operational measures, officers discovered an additional 4.9 tonnes of hydrochloric acid at a warehouse rented by one of the detainees.

An inspection found that the owners did not possess documents authorizing the storage, transportation or sale of precursor chemicals.

The Customs Committee said an investigation is under way to determine the original source of the seized chemical.

According to the committee, hydrochloric acid with a concentration of 15% or higher, excluding its salts, is included in the list of precursors whose circulation is restricted in Uzbekistan.

The committee said such substances can be used in the illegal production of narcotic drugs.

According to the committee, their illegal circulation poses a threat to public safety and may contribute to the spread of drug-related crime.