Drug Smuggling Network Disrupted in Ferghana Region

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A large-scale drug trafficking channel has been disrupted in Uzbekistan’s Ferghana region during an оперативное operation conducted by servicemen of the Border Troops of the State Security Service.

The operation took place in the “Dehqonobod” neighborhood of Rishtan district, where authorities intercepted illegal drug trafficking activity.

According to officials, two individuals were detained while receiving prohibited substances hidden inside the wheels of a Volvo cargo truck that had arrived from a neighboring country. The detainees include a 1974-born truck driver and a 2000-born resident of Uchkupirik district identified as the alleged client.

During the inspection, law enforcement officers discovered 3 kilograms 408 grams of opium and 16 kilograms 405 grams of hashish concealed inside the vehicle’s wheels. All seized materials were documented in accordance with procedural requirements.

Investigators also established that the father of the alleged client, born in 1980, was involved in the criminal scheme and was subsequently detained in procedural order.

A criminal case has been opened under Articles 246 Part 2 and 25, 273 Part 5 of the Criminal Code. All suspects have been placed in pre-trial detention as the investigation continues.