35 organized drug trafficking groups uncovered in Uzbekistan

A total of 35 organized criminal groups involved in drug trafficking were dismantled in Uzbekistan during the first quarter of this year, according to the State Customs Committee of Uzbekistan.

According to the report, law enforcement agencies detained eight group leaders and 130 members during operational measures.

The statement noted that the detection of organized drug groups and clandestine drug laboratories increased threefold in the first quarter.

The dismantled groups had been engaged in criminal activities for periods ranging from six months to five years, distributing narcotic substances across 70 cities and districts of the country.

Authorities also uncovered 10 clandestine drug laboratories.

For reference, a total of 14 drug laboratories were identified throughout 2025.

From the dismantled groups and laboratories, authorities seized 227 kg of traditional narcotics, 50 kg of synthetic drugs, 234,000 units (700,000 doses) of psychotropic substances, and more than three tonnes of precursors used in drug production.

As a result of shutting down these operations, the circulation of approximately 1.5 million units of psychotropic substances, 2.5 tonnes of narcotics such as hashish and opium, and 450 kg (2.2 million doses) of synthetic drugs has been prevented over the course of a year.

The report also stated that six international joint operations were conducted in cooperation with Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

According to analysis by relevant authorities, the volume of drugs in Uzbekistan has decreased, and trafficking has become more difficult. As a result, retail prices on the black market have increased by an average of 1.3 times over the past eight months.

It is worth noting that on March 1 this year, authorities reported dismantling 22 organized drug trafficking groups in January–February 2026.

Shahzoda Shukurullayeva