The Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, together with the Department for Combating smuggling and customs audit of the State Customs Committee for the Republic of Karakalpakstan, the Department of Internal Affairs of the Muynak region and employees of the National Guard, conducted an operational raid in border areas with the Republic of Kazakhstan on the coast of the Aral Sea.

During the event, it was discovered that a group of people had illegally collected and transported 1029 kg of "Artemia cysts", worth a total of 102.9 million soums.

As a result of this incident, nature suffered material damage amounting to 68 million soums. The relevant authorities are currently investigating the incident.

For reference, "Artemia cysts" inhabit the dried-up shores of the Aral Sea. These organisms, which specialize in growing in chlorinated, sulfated, carbonated, and saline environments, are widely used in aquaculture, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, medicine, and cosmetology.

A quota for collecting "Artemia cysts" and the right to use them has been allocated by environmental agencies in limited quantities without causing damage to nature.