Citizens selling natural gemstones for $220,000 were detained in Tashkent, the PGO press service reported.

In Tashkent, citizens H.Kh., M.S. and others were caught with material evidence when they illegally sold 1 piece of natural stone (worth 30 million soums) for $220,000. A total of 4 natural stones and mercury were seized as material evidence.

According to the results of the forensic examination, the stones weighed 333.8 grams and were a natural gemstone composed of ruby, quartz, fluorite, garnet, pyrope and sapphire.

On this fact, a criminal case has been initiated under Article 177 of the Criminal Code (illegal acquisition or transfer of foreign currency). An investigation is underway.