Sheremetyevo and Central Postal customs found ophthalmic eye drops containing tropicamide — a potent substance — in two parcels from India, with a combined mass of nearly 8 kg. Source: FCS Russia.
Officers detained shipments holding 800 plastic bottles marked Tropicamide BATCH NO; forensic testing confirmed the presence of a potent component in the ophthalmic products.
A 43-year-old Russian woman was detained when collecting the mail in Moscow. She said she was unaware of the contents and was to hand the boxes to an acquaintance. During follow-up operations, Sheremetyevo customs officers, supported by SOBR, also detained a man.
A criminal case was opened under subparagraph “v”, part 2, Article 226.1 of the Russian Criminal Code for smuggling potent substances by an organised group acting in concert; the penalty may include five to ten years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to RUB 1 million.
