In the Fergana region, special services have thwarted a major smuggling channel for opium and hashish, seizing about 20 kilograms of illicit substances hidden inside car tires.

The operation was carried out by troops of the Border Guard Service of the State Security Service. Suspicion fell on a Volvo truck arriving from a neighboring country. It was placed under surveillance, and the suspects were detained in the Rishtan district while unloading the cargo.

Among those detained: the 52-year-old driver and the customer, a 26-year-old resident of the Uchkuprik district. Later, the customer's 46-year-old father was identified and arrested, allegedly involved in organizing the illegal scheme.

A total of 3.4 kilograms of opium and over 16.4 kilograms of hashish were seized from the vehicle's tires. All substances have been confiscated as material evidence. The black market value of this quantity is estimated between $300,000 and $500,000.

Criminal proceedings have been initiated against the detainees on charges of smuggling and illegal drug trafficking. They have been placed in custody.

Law enforcement agencies are continuing the investigation to identify all participants in the drug supply channel.

Earlier, a 74-year-old woman was detained in the region for burying a kilogram of hashish in her yard.

Source: podrobno.uz