Customs officers at the Brest border crossing prevented an attempt to smuggle more than 2 kilograms of alpha-PVP concealed inside a portable air conditioner.
A Belarusian citizen was crossing the border as a passenger in a passenger vehicle. He chose the green channel, presented the air conditioner for inspection and stated that he was not carrying any prohibited goods. However, a customs officer decided to examine the device using X-ray equipment.
The scan revealed suspicious objects inside. After the air conditioner was opened, officers discovered four polymer bags containing green and pink substances with a total weight of more than 2 kg. An examination conducted by the Brest Region branch of the State Committee of Forensic Examinations confirmed that the seized substance was the psychotropic drug alpha-PVP.
During operational and investigative measures, customs officers identified the intended recipient of the shipment. It was established that the psychotropic substance was to be distributed in Minsk through an online store, the State Customs Committee reported.
The Brest Customs Office opened a criminal case under Part 2 of Article 328-1 of Belarus’s Criminal Code. The article carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
