Uzbekistan Seizes Over 600 Kilograms Of Afghan-Origin Drugs
Uzbekistan’s National Security Service (NSS) has reported the seizure of 600 kilograms and 12 grams of narcotics, valued at approximately $16.5 million, originating from Afghanistan.
According to officials, smugglers attempted to conceal the drugs inside bundles of brooms in an effort to transport them into Uzbekistan.
On Monday, Uzbek media outlets, citing NSS officials, confirmed that hundreds of kilograms of hashish were discovered at the customs checkpoint in the Surkhandarya region, which borders Afghanistan.
Authorities stated that the smuggling attempt was thwarted and that investigations are currently underway.
According to the NSS report, a suspicious truck was intercepted while attempting to cross the border. The vehicle was carrying 13.5 tonnes of brooms, raising concerns among customs officials.
Upon inspection, Uzbek authorities discovered that the truck contained 180 bags and 22,500 individual brooms. Reports indicate that drugs had been hidden within nearly 3,000 broom bundles to evade detection.
Initial assessments by Uzbek officials estimate the black market value of the seized narcotics at over $16.5 million.
Authorities continue to investigate the origins of the shipment and the smuggling network behind the operation, as concerns grow over drug trafficking from Afghanistan into Central Asia.
