38 kg of Drugs Seized in Samarkand Region

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The State Security Service (SSS) of Uzbekistan has intercepted two cases of illegal drug trafficking in Samarkand region, seizing a total of approximately 38 kilograms of prohibited substances.

In the first case, border guards, in coordination with the regional SSS office, detained three residents of Urgut district, born in 1989 and 1992. Surveillance revealed that the suspects had traveled to Tajikistan’s Penjikent district, where they purchased 14.8 kg of opium and nearly 15 kg of hashish. They were intercepted upon returning to Uzbekistan via alternate routes with the drugs in their possession.

In the second case, SSS officers, together with local law enforcement, conducted an operation in Samarkand. A cache was discovered in a private garage in the Orzu mahalla, hidden among marble stones, containing just over 9 kg of opium extract. According to the SSS, such substances are typically smuggled into the country.

Criminal cases have been opened under Part 2 of Article 246 and Part 5 of Article 273 of the Criminal Code. The detainees are being held in custody, and authorities are seeking the owner of the garage where the cache was found.

Under Uzbek law, such crimes carry penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment.