Italian Motorcyclist Nabbed with Hashish at Russian Border

An Italian man was detained at the Russia-Latvia border after officers found 170 grams of hashish in his motorcycle bag. The 30-year-old, apprehended by the Federal Security Service, could face up to 20 years in prison. The drugs were concealed in a nuts and dried fruits box.

An Italian national was apprehended at the Russian-Latvian border upon discovery of hashish in his motorcycle bag, according to Russia's customs service announcement on Thursday. The narcotics, weighing 170 grams and valued at approximately $5,000 on the street, were concealed within a box of nuts and dried fruits.

The 30-year-old, whose identity remains undisclosed by the authorities, attempted to cross into Russia's Pskov region when the illegal cache was uncovered. This intervention by the Federal Security Service has resulted in the motorcyclist's arrest, with potential legal repercussions of up to 20 years in prison if found guilty.

The incident highlights the increased vigilance and stringent border controls aimed at intercepting illegal substances, reinforcing the Russian customs service's commitment to curbing drug trafficking across its borders.

(With inputs from agencies.)