SSS foils multiple drug smuggling attempts, seizes 47 kg of opium and hashish

In Surkhandarya region's Uzun district, three individuals were apprehended while attempting to smuggle 10.05 kg of opium and 10.03 kg of hashish from Tajikistan. The suspects were intercepted by border troops while trying to transport the drugs into Uzbekistan.

In a related operation in Muzrabad district, a 43-year-old man from Termez, previously convicted of drug-related crimes, was arrested while receiving 1.95 kg of opium and 4.12 kg of hashish. The narcotics had been trafficked from Afghanistan. In a continuation of this operation, a 48-year-old Kazakh national was also detained in Termez while collecting the illicit substances.

In another incident in Termez district, a 47-year-old resident of Samarkand was caught attempting to retrieve 922 grams of opium and 4.2 kg of hashish from a hidden location, believed to be supplied by Afghan drug dealers. The suspect had reportedly paid $2,300 for each kilogram of the drugs.

Further north, in Sariosiyo district, a 56-year-old man from Denau, previously convicted for narcotics trafficking, was found in possession of 4.08 kg of hashish, which had been smuggled from Tajikistan.

In the Fergana region, another major drug bust occurred when security forces stopped a Gentra vehicle driven by a 45-year-old resident of Kokand. The search revealed 975 grams of opium. Subsequent searches of his residence led to the discovery of an additional 789 grams of opium and 5.24 kg of hashish. Investigations revealed that the drugs were supplied by Tajik dealers, and the suspect intended to sell them in Kokand.

In a final case, a 26-year-old resident of Fergana was arrested while attempting to collect 4.92 kg of hashish in Kuvasay, which had been left by Kyrgyz drug couriers for transport to Fergana.

Criminal cases have been opened against all the individuals involved, and they are currently being held in pre-trial detention.