Фото: ГТК
Belarusian customs officers have intercepted the largest shipment of narcotics and psychotropic substances in the country’s history, the State Customs Committee reported.
“Eight thousand bricks containing 915 kg of hashish and 50 boxes with 367 kg of mephedrone were to be transported by criminals in a truck operated by a Polish carrier into Belarus and Russia under the guise of a declared shipment of mineral water,” the Committee stated.
The agency added that several dozen bottles of water were indeed used as cover.
“The scheme was uncovered by officers of the Operational Customs, who decided to thoroughly inspect the truck after scanning its cargo using an inspection and screening system.
Given that the shipment was to proceed to the Russian Federation after customs clearance, Belarusian customs authorities, together with colleagues from Russia, carried out subsequent operational-search and other measures,” the Committee added.
As a result, other members of the group were detained, including citizens of EU countries, Belarus, Russia, and Moldova. During searches, an additional 5 kg of hashish and mephedrone were seized.
According to officials, the value of the confiscated narcotics is estimated at 62 million dollars. The quantity would have been enough for 2.933 million doses.
A criminal case has been initiated.