Number of drug offenders in the capital exceeds 4,000 – Shavkat Mirziyoyev

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has criticized the lack of determination among responsible officials in combating drug-related crime and organized criminal groups, stressing that efforts must reach the final sources and sponsors of drug trafficking channels. He made the remarks on January 27 during a video conference meeting held at the Security Directorate under the Tashkent City Main Department of Internal Affairs.

According to the President, the number of drug-related crimes in the capital has exceeded 4,000. A total of 112 organized criminal groups that were detained committed more than 1,300 crimes.

Those found guilty of these offenses are reportedly being released before serving even half of their sentences. As a result, repeat drug offenses have increased by 125 percent over the past three years.

It was noted that some positive changes have occurred since the Presidential Administration began addressing the issue. Over the past three months, nearly 50 major drug groups have been detained nationwide, and the circulation of approximately half a ton of narcotics has been prevented.

“Most alarming is that even abroad, our own citizens are forming organized groups and engaging in extortion, violence, and interference in business activities against fellow citizens who have gone there. Mass fights involving Uzbeks abroad are damaging the reputation of our country,” Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

Last year alone, 3,700 citizens who found themselves in difficult situations abroad were repatriated. In addition, 192 citizens became victims of human trafficking.

Earlier, during the same video conference meeting at the Security Directorate, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated that heads of law enforcement agencies were failing to set an example for the rest of the country.