Attempt to Smuggle Over 11 kg of Drugs Prevented in Ferghana Region

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Authorities in Ferghana Region have intercepted an attempt to smuggle a large shipment of narcotics across the Uzbekistan–Tajikistan border, the Customs Committee reported.

At the “Ravat” border post, customs officers, together with border guards, stopped a Lacetti vehicle entering from Tajikistan and conducted an inspection using technical control equipment. Packages were discovered hidden in the car’s fuel tank. Upon opening the tank in the presence of witnesses, customs officials seized 6,945 Royal tablets, a potent prescription drug.

In addition, three types of narcotics were confiscated: 10.7 kg of hashish, 412 grams of marijuana, and 35 grams of opium, totaling 11.2 kg of illicit substances. All confiscated materials have been handed over as evidence.

Investigations revealed that the driver planned to transport the illegal drugs for US$2,000, bury them in a garden near his home, and have them collected later by a customer, a citizen of Tajikistan. A criminal case has been opened under Article 246 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and investigative actions are ongoing.

The Customs Committee reminded that in 2025, customs authorities prevented the movement of over 1.8 tons of narcotics, including synthetic drugs, 1.8 times more than in 2024.