The procedure for conducting operational search activities is about to be changed

It is expected that the procedure for the use of technical means in the process of rapid identification of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and samples of currency will be determined during operational search activities in Uzbekistan.  This is stated in the draft decision of the Cabinet of Ministers “On approval of the procedure for the use of technical means in the process of rapid identification of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and samples of currency in carrying out urgent search measures” on the portal for discussion of normative legal documents.

At the beginning of the draft decision, it is noted that recently the criminal situation related to illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and currency values has taken a different tone.

In particular, new types of narcotic drugs in various forms are on the rise, and narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and counterfeit currency are spreading in new ways, requiring different approaches to combat this menace.

On the basis of the decision of the president on 25 July 2022, the task of introducing the procedure for the use of technical means in the process of rapid detection of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and samples of currency during the operational and search activities and procurement of advanced rapid detection equipment at the expense of off-budget resources were established.

The decision approves the procedure for the use of technical means in the rapid detection of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in the conduct of operational and search measures, as well as the procedure for the use of technical means in the rapid identification of samples of currency during operational and search activities.

In accordance with this, from 1 July 2023, an officer carrying out operational search activities:

• when there is a suspicion that the substance (item) identified in the recording of a situation related to the illegal circulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is related to a narcotic drug or psychotropic substance;

• when the identified substance (item) is classified as a narcotic drug or psychotropic substance;

• when meeting new types (analogs) of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances;

• when there is a suspicion that the currency sample identified during the rapid search activities is fake;

• in order to implement rapidity and save time when there is a need to ensure the continuity of rapid actions, in the place where they are found or in the building of law enforcement agencies, with the participation of impartial people, they (officers) check the samples of this substance (item) or currency using the technical means of express identification.

Expenditures related to the purchase of modern technical means for express identification of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and currency samples will be carried out at the expense of the extra-budgetary (off-budget) funds of the state bodies carrying out rapid-search activities and other sources not prohibited by the legislation.