Uzbekistan’s State Security Service and internal affairs bodies have detained a suspect during a joint operation targeting the illegal trafficking of drugs, psychotropic substances, and potent medications.

The resident of the Uchkuprik district, 43, illegally crossed the Uzbek-Kyrgyz state border in the Rishtan district of the Fergana region, entering Uzbekistan from a neighboring country, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

During a search conducted in the presence of witnesses, officers seized 9,542 units of the potent drug “Zardex” with an estimated value of 1.32 billion soums. The seizure was documented in line with established procedures.

The active ingredient pregabalin, contained in “Zardex” is classified as a potent substance with restricted circulation under a Cabinet of Ministers resolution dated September 27, 2019, regulating the turnover of such substances in Uzbekistan.

Criminal proceedings have been launched under articles covering illegal border crossing, smuggling, and the unlawful circulation of potent substances. The court has ordered pretrial detention as a preventive measure.