Over 200 Illegally Transported iPhone 18s Intercepted at Astana Airport

Customs officials at Astana International Airport have thwarted an attempt to smuggle a large shipment of electronics across the border. According to the State Revenue Committee, officers intercepted 223 undeclared iPhone 18 smartphones and 10 pairs of AirPods wireless headphones being brought into Kazakhstan illegally.

The perpetrators hid the devices inside their luggage and attempted to bypass customs clearance by choosing the "green channel." During inspection, officers discovered that a single passenger was carrying 50 new iPhones at once—far exceeding the allowed threshold for personal use.

An investigation revealed that four of the individuals involved were registered as individual entrepreneurs, while the remaining four carried no business status.

Customs authorities reiterated that individuals are legally permitted to bring no more than two smartphones per person across the border for personal use. Any quantity beyond that limit must be formally declared and processed through customs.

All seized devices have been moved to a temporary storage warehouse, and administrative charges are being filed against those involved.