Customs officers at the Astara Customs Office of the State Customs Committee have successfully intercepted and removed a particularly large quantity of narcotics from illegal circulation during a recent operation.
According to Operative Information Center-OMM, citing the committee, a thorough customs inspection was conducted on a vehicle transporting a cargo of lettuce from Iran to Russia in transit through the territory of Azerbaijan. The inspection was carried out with the assistance of a service dog from the canine unit.
During the search, officers discovered 79 kilograms and 820 grams of marijuana hidden from customs control. The narcotics were specifically shaped to resemble lettuce and packaged to blend in with the legitimate cargo. An investigation into the matter is currently underway.
The Astara border crossing serves as a critical point on the International North-South Transport Corridor, connecting South Asia with Northern Europe. Due to its strategic location, Azerbaijani customs authorities have intensified surveillance and technological integration to combat international drug trafficking. This seizure is part of Azerbaijan's ongoing commitment to securing its borders and preventing the country from being used as a transit route for illegal substances.
