Astara: A large quantity of narcotic substance, specifically marijuana, was detected and removed from illegal circulation as a result of customs control measures carried out by officers of the Astara Customs Administration, the State Customs Committee told APA.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, at the South Astara customs post, a vehicle transporting a shipment of lettuce from the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Russian Federation was inspected using a stationary X-ray scanner. Upon noticing suspicious signs in the cargo, customs officers subjected it to a thorough inspection.

During the inspection, which was conducted with the assistance of a canine service dog, officials discovered a large quantity of narcotic substance. The dried marijuana, with a net weight of 22 kilograms and 565 grams, was found concealed in 191 packages under the lettuce.

An investigation into the incident is currently underway.