In a container from Uzbekistan, which arrived at the port of Novorossiysk, Russian customs officers found more than a ton of garmala. Afterwards, it was supposed to be sent on a dry cargo ship to one of the countries of the Middle East, the Kuban 24 TV channel reported.
In addition to the garmala, the container also contained dried fruits, rose hips, dishes and linseed oil.
“During the customs inspection, we took samples of the dried plant for further research. The examination showed that the perennial herbaceous plant "harmala" contains the narcotic drug "harmine", included in the List of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors, subject to control in the Russian Federation," said the acting head of the Novorossiysk customs post Vadim Pronin.
A criminal case has been opened on the fact of smuggling. The sender faces life imprisonment and a fine of up to a million rubles.
