Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Istanbul has warned citizens against transporting luggage belonging to others while traveling by air between Türkiye and Uzbekistan.

The diplomatic mission emphasized that some individuals at airports may approach travelers with such requests, citing various reasons—such as having a critically ill relative or an inability to send their belongings by other means.

“Do not believe such promises, and under no circumstances should you agree to carry someone else's luggage!” the Consulate General stated.

According to the diplomatic mission, in recent years, several Uzbek citizens have been detained for unknowingly transporting prohibited items, including drugs and forged documents.

In 2023, a 27-year-old Uzbek citizen agreed to transport a stranger’s luggage, which was later found to contain a large quantity of narcotics during a border inspection. As a result, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

In 2022, another Uzbek citizen traveling from Antalya to Tashkent agreed to carry someone else’s bag, which was later discovered to contain counterfeit passports, leading to criminal charges.

“Never take someone else’s luggage, even if you believe they have a legitimate reason!” the Consulate General stressed.

Diplomats reminded citizens that carelessness and excessive trust could lead to serious criminal consequences. They urged travelers to remain vigilant and to reject suspicious requests.