Three arrested for operating drug lab in Fergana; Over 12 kg of synthetic drugs seized (video)

A drug laboratory producing synthetic drugs has been discovered in the "Mindanobod" neighborhood of Fergana region, according to a report from the State Security Service.

The investigation revealed that three individuals, born in 1990 and 2001, residents of the city of Margilan, had rented a house for $250 per month, where they were engaged in manufacturing drugs.

During the operation, law enforcement seized 12 kg 821 g of synthetic drugs from the house. This included 8 kg 185 g of Alpha-PVP, 4 kg 209 g of "Spice," 427 g of "Mephedrone," as well as 12 kg 326 g of a special liquid used in drug production and 13 kg 925 g of tobacco products.

An expert examination estimated the black market value of the seized drugs at 9 billion 185 million sums.

Further investigation revealed that the suspects were manufacturing the drugs using raw materials supplied by members of a criminal group. This group was selling drugs online through the "backorder" method and instructed the suspects to hide the finished product in designated secret locations. The suspects then sent the geolocation data of the drugs to the criminal group.

In exchange for their activities, the suspects received a weekly salary of 500 US dollars in cryptocurrency.

A criminal case has been initiated against the individuals under Article 273 of the Criminal Code, which addresses the illegal preparation, acquisition, storage, and trafficking of narcotic drugs, their analogues, or psychotropic substances. A preventive measure of arrest has been applied.

This discovery follows a previous case in Tashkent, where authorities uncovered a clandestine drug laboratory that held more than 23 kilograms of potent substances, including pregabalin, tropicamide, and trilon, along with laboratory equipment.