Customs officials at the Astara border crossing have intercepted a significant shipment of narcotics, preventing a large quantity of drugs from entering illegal circulation. The State Customs Committee reported that the seizure took place at the "South-Astara" customs post during an inspection of a transit vehicle.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, citing the State Customs Committee, the drugs were discovered hidden inside a truck transporting fresh watermelons from Iran to Russia. Suspicious images were first identified during a stationary X-ray scan of the vehicle, prompting a more thorough search. Following the deployment of a service dog from the canine unit, officials uncovered 61 kilograms of marijuana concealed within 92 pallets in the trailer. The seized amount is classified as an especially large quantity under national legislation, and an investigation into the incident is currently underway.
The Astara customs post, located on Azerbaijan's southern border with Iran, serves as a critical transit point for international cargo moving along the North-South Transport Corridor. Azerbaijan has consistently strengthened its border security and technical capabilities to combat international drug trafficking. The State Customs Committee frequently utilizes advanced scanning technology and specialized canine units to monitor transit shipments, as the country remains a key geographical link for trade between regional neighbors and European markets.
