KHUJAND, December 19, 2008, Asia-Plus  -- Sughd customs officers have seized nearly 37,000 pyrotechnics at the Khujand customs checkpoint, Terminal, a source at the Sughd regional customs service told Asia-Plus Thursday afternoon.

An inspection of a vehicle that came from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan found 35,600 firecrackers, 930 salutes and 332 other items such as safety matches, oxygen candles, and so forth hidden among fabric.

The preliminary investigation has established that the found pyrotechnics belong to entrepreneur from the Bobojonghfurov district, Ms. Dilbar Ismoilova.

“In the meantime, Article 199 in Tajikistan’s Penal Code stipulates that illicit trafficking in pyrotechnics, illegal delivery of firecrackers and pyrotechnics to Tajikistan, the manufacture and sale of them is punishable by fine of 100 to 200 minimum monthly wages or one to two years in jail,” the source said, adding that if it is confirmed that the seized pyrotechnics belong to Dilbar Ismoilova, criminal proceedings will be instituted against her under the provisions of the mentioned article.

An investigation is under way.