Court in Istanbul Rules on Case of Uzbek Citizen: Fellow Countryman Released

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 16 October, 2025, the 17th High Criminal Court of the Bakırköy district in Istanbul held the third hearing in the case of a 22-year-old Uzbek citizen, a native of the Samarkand region.

Representatives of the Consulate General of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Istanbul attended the proceedings.

The case involved charges of illegal importation and trafficking of narcotic substances. According to the investigation, six individuals are officially implicated, along with several others currently wanted by authorities.

They are accused of attempting to smuggle 30 kilograms of cocaine and 800 kilograms of psychotropic substances into Turkey from European countries using a cargo truck.

Our fellow countryman had been working in a workshop producing wooden crates located near the parking area of the mentioned vehicle in 2023–2024. During a special operation conducted by Turkish law enforcement, he was present at the site, leading to his detention as a suspect.

Following the hearing, the court reviewed the submitted materials and ruled to lift the detention order, resulting in the release of the Uzbek citizen.