Officers of Uzbekistan's State Security Service have uncovered an international cocaine trafficking operation in Tashkent after intercepting a parcel containing 728 grams of cocaine.

The suspect was detained while collecting the international shipment at a private courier office in the city's Yakkasaray district, The Caspian Post reports via Vzglyad.uz.

According to investigators, the package was sent from Africa, with the cocaine concealed inside automotive spare parts. The recipient was identified as a 43-year-old resident of Tashkent's Yashnabad district who had a previous criminal record.

A subsequent search of the suspect's home led to the seizure of additional powdery substances packaged in zip-lock bags, as well as sweets containing narcotic components.

A criminal case has been opened under Article 246, Part 2 of Uzbekistan's Criminal Code, which covers smuggling. The investigation is ongoing.