DUSHANBE, October 23, Asia-Plus - Tajik police last week warded off an attempt by Sughd resident to smuggle precious stones out of the country, according to the Ministry of Interior (MoI).   

A source at a MoI said that local resident Zikrullo Abdulloyev was detained last Thursday at the Konibodom railway station on suspicion of having been involved in smuggling of precious stones.  “15 grams of rubies and 8.5 grams of emeralds for a total amount of US$6,500 were confiscated from him,” the source said.  

Criminal proceedings have been instituted against Abdulloyev and an investigation is under way.