Uzbek Cotton Smuggler Arrested at Kyrgyz Border

Kyrgyz border guards halted a cotton smuggler coming out of Uzbekistan on May 24, ca-news.org reported May 25, citing a statement from the Kyrgyz Committee for National Security.

Kyrgyz authorities report that on on the evening of May 24 at the Alga border crossing near the Aydarken border post, borders guards along with local security officials from the Kadamjai district and the customs service halted some smugglers attempting to bring 1,900 tons of cotton from Uzbekistan into Kyrgyzstan.

The contrabandists were driving two Hyundai Porter pick-up trucks. One of the smugglers who was without identification was arrested, and was turned over along with the truck-loads of cotton to security officials.

The incident is indicative of just how valued -- and expensive -- cotton is this season, with the sharp increase in world prices.

Since the pogroms in Kyrgyzstan a year ago in June, the border has been closed. In the past, trade was brisk from Uzbekistan in fruits and vegetables, that sold for a lower price in Kyrgyzstan. Meanwhile, Kyrgyz would sell Chinese manufactured goods, in demand in Uzbekistan.

Since that time, as Kyrgyz officials have pointed out, the closed border has not only harmed the economy but only fostered the growth of criminals, 24.kg reports.