Seizure of a Military Hardware Shipment Bound for Iran at Latvia Airport - 2003-08-21

Latvian police have seized 28 tons of military hardware that was reportedly destined for Iran. The Latvian Security Police stated on Thursday that equipment worth $315,000 was confiscated at Riga Airport, the capital of Latvia. Customs documents indicated that the shipment was registered as agricultural equipment. However, according to the police, it actually included tank spare parts, night vision devices, and weapon components. Latvian officials say it is unlikely that the old weapons were intended for the Iranian army; they may have been meant for terrorist access. No arrests have been made so far, and Latvian military intelligence units are investigating the shipment. Officials believe the cargo appears to be old Russian military hardware. Reports indicate that several companies were involved in its transport, which was loaded in Russia. Since 1979, Russia has been the largest arms seller to Iran.