Customs authorities at Tashkent International Airport have seized synthetic narcotics MDMA from a passenger arriving from Istanbul. The Customs Committee reported that the passenger was detained while attempting to transport the drugs unknowingly, highlighting a significant security breach in border control procedures.

According to details, the passenger agreed to carry a suitcase for $35 at the request of a stranger in Turkey before the flight. However, he did not inspect the bag's contents or show any curiosity about what was inside. During customs inspection, 598 red tablets inscribed with "Marvel" were found concealed within a peanut package disguised as fruit seeds.

The Customs Committee confirmed that the tablets are the synthetic narcotic MDMA and noted that their retail price on the black market is at least $15,000-$20,000. Investigations into the case are ongoing, with customs checks proceeding under legal protocols.

Customs press secretary Husan Tangriyev stated that the passenger's lack of awareness about the bag's contents does not exempt him from liability. He emphasized that transporting strangers' luggage across borders is strictly prohibited, as it can lead to substantial fines or criminal charges, underscoring the risks involved in such actions.

The Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Istanbul also reminded citizens that carrying another person's baggage makes them fully responsible for all items inside. The consulate advised against accepting luggage without personal inspection, even from acquaintances or relatives, and warned not to trust phrases like "just carry it" or "there's nothing inside," since the discovery of prohibited substances results in legal consequences for the carrier.

Source: www.gazeta.uz