Belarusian customs seize record drug shipment from EU, criminal group detained

Belarusian customs officers have intercepted a record-breaking shipment of drugs and psychotropic substances smuggled from the European Union to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

The operation, led by the State Customs Committee, uncovered 915 kilograms of hashish and 367 kilograms of mephedrone hidden in a truck disguised as a shipment of mineral water, Caliber.Az reports, citing BELTA. 

According to officials, the truck, driven by a Polish carrier, was scanned by customs officers, who subsequently carried out a detailed inspection that revealed the concealed drugs. Following this discovery, joint operational measures were initiated with Russian law enforcement agencies to further investigate the smuggling network.

The operation led to the detention of several members of an international criminal group, including individuals from the EU, Belarus, Russia, and Moldova. During searches, authorities seized an additional 5 kilograms of drugs from the suspects.

The estimated black market value of the confiscated shipment is approximately $62 million, which could have been used to produce around 2.9 million individual doses. Authorities have opened criminal cases for drug smuggling, with the potential for sentences of up to 20 years in prison for those involved.

By Sabina Mammadli