State Security Service Chief reveals surge in drug crimes: figures double

In 2025, law enforcement agencies in Uzbekistan seized 3.6 tons of narcotic substances and prevented their illegal circulation. The figures were announced by Chairman of the State Security Service, Colonel General Bakhodir Kurbonov, during an expanded meeting of the Security Council chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on January 13, which focused on strengthening national military security and defense.

According to Kurbonov, a comparison of data from 2024 and 2025 shows that drug-related crimes in the country have doubled.

In 2024, about 1,700 kilograms of narcotic substances were detected and removed from illegal circulation. In 2025, this figure rose to 3.6 tons, representing a twofold increase. The number of individuals detained for drug-related offenses increased from 2,600 to 4,500. The number of dismantled clandestine drug laboratories also rose, from eight to 15.

Continuing his remarks, Kurbonov also disclosed alarming figures related to the consumption of synthetic drugs among young people. He said that more than 180 kilograms of synthetic substances and over one million units of psychotropic drugs were seized in 2025.

“Synthetic drugs are becoming increasingly widespread among minors, especially those aged between 14 and 25. The most concerning aspect is that dependence on these substances can develop within a very short period after initial use,” the State Security Service chief said.

It is worth recalling that in his address to the chambers of the Oliy Majlis on December 26, 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated that more than 14,000 drug-related crimes had been recorded in the country during the year, nearly 3,000 of which were committed by young people. He announced that a National Program had been adopted and emphasized that the fight against drug crime must become a nationwide movement, with society fostering zero tolerance toward this threat.

On November 28 last year, President Mirziyoyev’s eldest daughter, Head of the Presidential Administration Saida Mirziyoyeva, held a working meeting with leaders of law enforcement agencies, instructing them to establish a coordinated and effective system in the short term to combat drug trafficking, organized criminal groups, and the illegal circulation of weapons.

Earlier, on November 3, 2025, President Mirziyoyev signed Decree No. PF-207, titled “On Comprehensive Measures to Effectively Protect Public Health and the Nation’s Gene Pool from Drug Addiction and Drug Crime.” The decree introduced stricter measures, including prohibiting early release or sentence reductions for individuals convicted of drug crimes. It also established criminal liability for sponsoring illegal drug trafficking, organizing drug-related criminal groups, or operating illicit drug laboratories, with penalties of up to 20 years’ imprisonment.