Uzbekistan Foils Major Cross-Border Drug Smuggling Attempt

Uzbekistan’s State Security Service has intercepted an attempt to illegally transport a large shipment of narcotics and controlled substances through the border in Fergana Region.

The incident occurred at the Ravot border-customs checkpoint in Besharyk District during the inspection of a Lacetti car entering Uzbekistan from Tajikistan, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

The driver, 47, was taken into custody.

A thorough search revealed drugs and banned substances hidden in the vehicle’s fuel tank. Authorities seized 10.739 kg of hashish, 412 g of marijuana, 35 g of opium, and 6,945 tablets of the potent medication “Royal”.

A criminal case has been opened under Part 2 of Article 246 of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code (smuggling) and Part 5 of Article 273-25 (attempted illegal production, purchase, storage, or trafficking of narcotics or psychotropic substances with intent to sell). Investigations are ongoing.

The State Security Service emphasized that efforts to detect and prevent cross-border drug trafficking in Uzbekistan’s border regions continue.