Uzbekistan’s National Security Service reported finding 600 kilograms and 12 grams of drugs worth $16.5 million, originating from Afghanistan. Authorities said traffickers tried to smuggle the drugs hidden in broom bundles into Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan’s media outlets reported on Monday, February 10, citing the National Security Service, that hundreds of kilograms of hashish were found at the customs in the Surchandarya region, located at the border with Afghanistan.
The smuggling attempt was thwarted, and investigations into the matter have begun. The authorities acted quickly to neutralize the operation and prevent the illegal trade from succeeding.
According to the National Security Service, a suspicious truck crossing the border at the “Ayratom” checkpoint was stopped. The truck was carrying 13.5 tons of brooms.
Officials revealed that the truck contained 180 sacks and 22,500 brooms. Hidden within nearly 3,000 of these brooms were plastic packages containing drugs. This discovery highlights the scale of drug trafficking from Afghanistan to neighboring countries.
This operation showcases the ongoing efforts to combat cross-border drug smuggling, a persistent issue in the region. The successful interception of this shipment reflects the growing cooperation between Uzbekistan and its border security forces in addressing drug trafficking challenges.
Despite these efforts, the constant threat posed by drug cartels and traffickers continues to undermine security and stability. Authorities must remain vigilant to prevent further illegal activities and protect the region from the harmful impact of narcotics.
