Uzbekistan Foils Attempt to Smuggle 2.3 kg of Mephedrone from Russia

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Authorities in Uzbekistan have prevented an attempt to smuggle drugs from Russia, the press service of the State Security Service (SSS) reports.

At the “Navoi” border customs post in Tashkent Region, a Lada Largus vehicle arriving from Kazakhstan was inspected. The driver, a 25-year-old resident of Bukhara, was behind the wheel.

Inside the cargo compartment of the car, concealed within the gearbox of a Gazelle vehicle, specialists discovered five packages containing a total of 2.3 kg of mephedrone.

According to the agency, the individual, who works in transportation along the “Uzbekistan — Russia” route, was supposed to deliver the auto part to another 25-year-old man in Tashkent Region.

The suspect was apprehended at the moment of receiving the “order.”

A criminal case has been initiated under Part 2 of Article 246 (smuggling) and Part 5 of Article 273 (illegal production, acquisition, storage, and other actions with narcotic substances for the purpose of sale) of the Criminal Code. The suspects remain in custody.