Deputy heads to be appointed to combat drug abuse in certain agencies

In order to create an environment of zero tolerance toward drug abuse, separate deputy heads will be appointed in the Youth Affairs Agency, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education, and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation. This was announced today, January 27, during a videoconference meeting chaired by the President, held at the Security Directorate under the Main Department of Internal Affairs of Tashkent City.

According to the information provided, more than 1,500 individuals addicted to drugs were officially registered in the capital last year. Most concerning is that the number of drug users operating “in the shadows” is even higher. The majority of them are young people.

On average, they spend between 20 and 25 million soums per month on drugs. In an attempt to obtain funds, drug users often resort to committing crimes. Last year, across the country, 64 individuals committed crimes under the influence of narcotic substances, one out of every three of which occurred in Tashkent.

Starting this year, the widespread use of rapid drug tests will be introduced.

To create an environment of zero tolerance toward drug abuse, separate deputy heads will be appointed in the Youth Affairs Agency, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education, and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.

One of the deputy governors, university rectors, technical school directors, and school principals will be designated as responsible for this area.

Treatment for drug addiction requires at least four months. Responsible officials were instructed to submit a draft decision on providing narcological services to the population based on public-private partnerships.