Azerbaijan intercepts Iranian drug smugglers in Caspian Sea
Following a warning shot from patrol vessel/PHOTO/VIDEO

SOCIETY  22 April 2024 - 17:13

The Main Command and Control Centre of the Coast Guard of Azerbaijan’s State Border Service has intercepted an unknown watercraft heading south on the Alat roadstead of the Caspian Sea.

Upon detection, a border patrol vessel immediately initiated pursuit of the suspicious target, with coastal control units promptly notified, according to a statement from the State Border Service provided to Caliber.Az.

Swift action was taken to secure the coastline, with the border patrol vessel issuing warning shots to deter the vessel.

A coordinated effort involving patrol vessels, coastal control units, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles from the Special Air Operations Forces resulted in the apprehension of the vessel. The two crew members onboard, identified as Iranian nationals Mukhtar Abdi Yalji (born in 1991) and Ali Bahrami Mohammed (born in 2000), were arrested for violating the state border with the intention of smuggling narcotic drugs.

Subsequent search operations led to the discovery and seizure of 20.4 kilograms of marijuana, concealed in eight bags that the offenders attempted to discard into the sea.

Operational and investigative measures remain ongoing as authorities work to further uncover details surrounding the thwarted smuggling attempt. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

Caliber.Az