Azerbaijan customs seize nearly 80 kilograms of marijuana at Astara border PHOTO

Azerbaijani customs authorities have intercepted a large shipment of marijuana during an inspection at the Astara customs post on the country’s southern border.

According to information provided by the State Customs Committee, officers from the Astara Customs Directorate discovered 79 kilograms and 740 grams of marijuana concealed in 230 packages, Caliber.Az reports. 

The narcotics were found during an inspection of a truck transporting green lettuce and celery from Iran to Russia, according to the authorities.

The shipment was intercepted while the vehicle was passing through Azerbaijani territory.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the seizure. Further details about the suspected organisers, the intended recipient and possible charges were not immediately provided.