Suspects detained while trying to smuggle 13 kg of heroin disguised as dried apricots (video)

Suspects attempting to smuggle 13 kilograms of heroin from Afghanistan to the Russian Federation through a border customs post in Bukhara region, disguised as dried apricots, have been detained. The Customs Committee reported this.

According to the committee, on May 30 this year, a truck travelling from Afghanistan to Russia was inspected at the Olot border customs post in Bukhara region. During the analysis of X-ray images obtained through an inspection system, suspicious items were detected in the cargo.

After that, 18.6 tons of packaged dried apricots being transported in the trailer were thoroughly inspected in the presence of witnesses in accordance with the established procedure. During the inspection, substances made to resemble dried apricots and hidden among the products in 13 cardboard boxes were discovered.

According to the forensic examination, the substances were identified as heroin, with a total weight of nearly 13 kilograms. Experts estimate the value of the seized heroin on the international black market at up to $1.5 million.

The Customs Committee said that since the beginning of this year, customs authorities in Uzbekistan have prevented the illegal circulation of nearly 1.7 tons of narcotic drugs in 363 cases. This is 461 kilograms more than in the same period last year. A criminal case has been opened, and investigative actions are ongoing.

Earlier, it was reported that a large quantity of medicines had been found among food products in a truck that entered Tashkent region from Kazakhstan.