At the “Termez-Auto” border customs post in Surkhandarya Region, an attempt to import a large batch of drugs from Afghanistan was prevented. According to the State Security Service, 593 kg of hashish and 3 kg of opium were hidden in the structure of an excavator being transported on a грузовой vehicle.

According to the agency, the operation was carried out jointly by оперативными units of the State Security Service, the Border Troops, and the Customs Committee. The truck, driven by an Afghan citizen, underwent the установленную inspection, after which the excavator on the trailer was scanned through an inspection-and-screening complex—objects not предусмотренные by the design were noticed in the lifting section.

The cavities of the machinery were then examined using endoscopic equipment, which confirmed the presence of a stash containing наркотическими substances. According to law enforcement, members of the group were counting on reduced vigilance of servicemen in the pre-dawn hours.

A criminal case has been opened under Articles 246 and 273 of the Criminal Code. Measures are currently being taken to identify and detain the owners of the seized drugs.