Azerbaijan thwarts major drug shipment from Iran PHOTO

Azerbaijan has prevented a large quantity of drugs and psychotropic substances from being smuggled into the country from Iran.

A cargo vehicle arriving in Azerbaijan from Iran was inspected by the customs checkpoint at the Astara customs post of the Main Customs Department of the southern territory.

During the inspection, a large quantity of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances hidden from customs control, as well as a large quantity of medicines, the circulation of which is prohibited in Azerbaijan, were discovered and seized.

The State Customs Committee's main investigation department initiated criminal proceedings under relevant articles of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code, and the individuals involved were held criminally liable.

The criminal case is currently being investigated.

Drug smuggling from Iran's territory has increased in recent months. Azerbaijan has faced numerous drug-trafficking attempts, all of which have been foiled.

After liberating its lands from Armenia's occupation in a 44-day war with Armenia in 2020, Azerbaijan restored control over the 132-km section of the Azerbaijan-Iran border.

Drugs are traditionally smuggled in from Afghanistan into Iran and from there into Azerbaijan. Taking into account the geographical location of our country, drug traffickers try to smuggle drugs into European countries along the Balkan route by transit through Azerbaijan.