Official in Andijan accused of drug use in his office: Investigation underway  

A photo has been circulating on social media allegedly showing the deputy head of the Andijan Regional Department of Poverty Reduction and Employment Assistance using drugs in his office. The department has issued a statement regarding the incident.

“The matter is currently under the control of the Internal Affairs Directorate and has not yet been officially confirmed. Appropriate inquiries are underway, and final information will be released,” the department stated.

Shohrukh Giyasov, press secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, informed QALAMPIR.UZ that an urgent search operation was conducted in connection with the case. As a result, 0.69 grams of hashish were found and confiscated from the individual shown in the photo. A forensic chemical examination confirmed that the substance is classified as a narcotic.

A criminal case has been initiated under Part 1 of Article 276 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to the illegal preparation, storage, acquisition, transportation, or shipment of narcotic drugs, their analogues, or psychotropic substances without intent to distribute. Investigative measures are ongoing.

However, Giyasov emphasized that the disclosure of personal information is prohibited by law and noted the importance of observing the presumption of innocence.