Deputy head of Andijan Department fired for drug use in office

On April 9, a photo showing the deputy head of the Andijan City Department of Poverty Reduction and Employment Support using drugs in his office went viral on social media, sparking widespread discussion. Following this incident, both the department's head and deputy were dismissed, according to a report from the regional Department of Poverty Reduction and Employment.

“The employment contracts with the head of the Andijan City Department of Poverty Reduction and Employment Support, D.U., and his deputy, S.B., have been terminated. Investigations into the case are ongoing,” the report stated.

Shohrukh Giyasov, press secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, informed QALAMPIR.UZ that an operational search operation was carried out in connection with the case. As a result, 0.69 grams of hashish were seized from the individual in the photo. A forensic chemical examination confirmed that the substance was indeed a narcotic.

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