Azerbaijani customs officers thwart drug smuggling from Iran PHOTO

Customs officers of Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic have successfully intercepted a significant drug shipment concealed in a cargo truck en route from Iran to Bulgaria.

During a routine inspection at the Shahtakhti customs post, officials employed a stationary X-ray machine to examine the truck, which was transporting glass. The scan revealed suspicious images, prompting further investigation, Caliber.Az reports, citing the State Customs Committee.

Upon inspection of the vehicle, authorities discovered seven packages of dried marijuana weighing a total of 1,508.075 grams and 24 packages of hashish weighing a total of 7,882.581 grams, hidden in a special compartment within the driver’s sleeping area.

An investigation into the incident is currently underway, with customs officials working to trace the origin and intended destination of the illicit drugs.

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

By Khagan Isayev