Uzbekistan’s State Security Service (SSS) has reported the seizure of large quantities of narcotics smuggled into the country from Tajikistan, totaling nearly 110 kilograms.
In the first case, during an operation carried out by the Border Troops of the SSS, it was revealed that two residents of the Bulungur district of Samarkand region (aged 28 and 29) had smuggled 79.36 kg of opium from Tajikistan. The drugs were hidden in a concealed compartment for later sale. Based on the testimony of one of the detainees, authorities later seized an additional 1.95 kg of methamphetamine.
In the second case, two residents of the Uzun district of Surkhandarya region (aged 28 and 31) and a 28-year-old resident of Tajikistan’s Tursunzoda district were apprehended by border guards while attempting to smuggle 30.36 kg of opium in backpacks. The drugs were intended for delivery to a specified address for a monetary reward. During the investigation, a 39-year-old customer from the town of Denau was also arrested.
Criminal proceedings have been instituted in both incidents under two articles of uzbekistan’s Penal Code: Articles 246 – smuggling; and Article 273 — illegal production, acquisition, storage, and other actions involving narcotic drugs, their analogs, or psychotropic substances with intent to sell, as well as their sale. The suspects are currently in custody.
