Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Authorities in several regions of Uzbekistan have intercepted attempts to smuggle large quantities of narcotics, the State Security Service (SSS) reported.

The operation began in Surkhandarya region, where an investigation revealed that a previously convicted resident of Denau district was involved in drug trafficking. He had been smuggling and distributing narcotics brought in from Tajikistan.

During a raid on his home, law enforcement officers seized 576 grams of heroin, 2.447 kilograms of opium, and 1.913 kilograms of hashish.

His father, also with a criminal record, was found in possession of 9.062 kilograms of hashish, US$137,400 in cash, and 569.8 million soums. Additionally, authorities detained his brother and an accomplice from Uzun district, who was found carrying US$159,400 during a search.

The special operation continued in Yangikurgan district, Namangan region, where law enforcement officers stopped a bus bound for Namangan. A search of two passengers’ bags uncovered 19.915 kilograms of hashish, which had been smuggled from Kyrgyzstan.

Another case was recorded in Markhamat district, Andijan region, where a previously convicted local resident attempted to cross the border while carrying 4.931 kilograms of opium and 9.949 kilograms of hashish. According to available information, he had received the illicit substances from a Kyrgyz citizen.

Criminal cases have been opened in connection with these smuggling attempts, and investigations are ongoing.