President issues warning to Ravshan Mamatov

Ravshan Mamatov, Head of the Agency for the Control of Narcotic Drugs and Firearms, was warned that if no changes are made in his performance, his suitability for the position will be reviewed. 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.

It was reported that the volume of synthetic substances seized from criminals in the capital has increased elevenfold over the past five years.

It was noted that 95 percent of synthetic drugs are distributed via the internet, payments are made in cryptocurrency, and drug laboratories are being established inside the country.

In addition, the legislation does not clearly define the responsibilities of state bodies in this area. The Agency for the Control of Narcotic Drugs and Firearms was criticized for limiting its activities to analysis and international cooperation only.

Going forward, the agency’s responsibility will be strengthened, and it will be granted the authority to coordinate, monitor, and assess the work of relevant agencies. The agency will be provided with all necessary forces and resources.

The head of the agency, Mamatov, was warned that if no changes are made in his performance, his suitability for the position will be reviewed.

The need to revise and update the law on narcotic drugs adopted in 1999 was also emphasized.