Uzbekistan intercepts 13 kg heroin transit attempt

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan’s Bukhara regional customs authorities, together with officers at the “Olot” customs post and personnel of the State Security Service, have intercepted an attempt to transit a large consignment of narcotics through the country.

According to officials, on 30 May a cargo truck traveling from Afghanistan to Russia was inspected at the border checkpoint. During the inspection, using X-ray scanning equipment, suspicious objects were detected among 18.6 tons of packaged dried apricots.

A further detailed search revealed that drugs were concealed in 13 cardboard boxes hidden within the dried fruit shipment. A forensic examination confirmed that the seized substances were heroin weighing nearly 13 kilograms.

Experts estimate that the street value of the seized narcotics could reach approximately US$1.5 million.

A criminal case has been opened in connection with the incident, and investigations are ongoing.