DUSHANBE, October 27, 2014, Asia-Plus -- An alleged gem smuggler has been detained in the northern Sughd province.

According to the Interior Ministry’s website, an operation carried out by officers from the Interior Ministry’s office in Konibodom on October 22 led to the arrest of Shovali Alisherov from Khatlon province, 56, on suspicion of being involved in gem smuggling.

42 rubies totally weighing 43.01 grams were reportedly confiscated from him.

Criminal proceedings have been instituted against the detained gem smuggler and an investigation is under way, the source said.