Individuals detained for attempting to smuggle psychotropic drugs across Uzbek–Kyrgyz border

Individuals attempting to transport potent pharmaceutical drugs across the Uzbek–Kyrgyz border have been detained, the State Security Service reported.

According to the information, during an operation, a resident of Uchkuprik district was detained after illegally crossing the Uzbek–Kyrgyz state border through a section running through Rishton district of Fergana region and entering Uzbekistan from a neighboring country.

During an inspection conducted in the presence of witnesses, law enforcement officers discovered 9,542 units of the potent drug “Zardeks” in his possession, with a total estimated value of 1.32 billion soums. The seized items were documented in accordance with established procedures.

A criminal case has been opened against the suspect under Article 223, Part 1 (illegal exit from or entry into the Republic of Uzbekistan), Article 246, Part 1 (smuggling), and Article 251, Part 3 (illegal acquisition of potent or toxic substances) of the Criminal Code. A preventive measure of detention has been applied, and investigative actions are ongoing.

For reference, the substance pregabalin contained in the drug “Zardeks” is included in the list of potent substances with restricted circulation under Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 818 dated September 27, 2019, “On regulating the circulation of potent substances in the Republic of Uzbekistan.”

It is worth noting that earlier in Namangan region, individuals who illegally crossed the Uzbek–Kyrgyz border in an attempt to bring sheep into Uzbekistan from Kyrgyzstan were detained.