Uzbekistan Seizes Over 72 kg of Hashish Hidden in Fake Potatoes from Afghanistan

Uzbekistan border forces and customs officers have seized 222 packages of hashish weighing more than 72 kilograms, hidden inside fake potatoes in a truck from Afghanistan.

The shipment was discovered at a border crossing point. A Man-type cargo truck declared as carrying potatoes from Afghanistan underwent closer inspection, revealing the artificial potatoes concealing the drugs, according to Uzbekistan's State Security Service press center.

The press center, quoted by RIA Novosti, stated that officials believe the hashish was intended for transfer to Russia. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Uzbekistan forms part of the Northern Route used for smuggling drugs from Afghanistan to Russia and onward to European countries. Experts note an increase in cannabis-type drugs such as hashish along this route, in addition to opiates.