Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A joint operation conducted by Uzbekistan’s State Security Service (SSS) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs successfully intercepted a major attempt to smuggle synthetic narcotics through the “Navoi” border checkpoint on the Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan frontier.

During an inspection of medical equipment being transported by two residents of Kurgantepa District in Andijan Region (born in 1983 and 1988), officers discovered 4.206 kg of mephedrone and 3.970 kg of alpha-PVP. The estimated street value of the seized drugs is approximately one million US dollars.

As part of the ongoing operation, law enforcement authorities have arrested five additional individuals — residents of Tashkent and the Tashkent Region born in 1992, 1993, 1995, and 2000. Investigators have determined that the group operated under the instructions of a Russian national, who coordinated narcotics distribution via the messaging platform Telegram.

In a separate incident at the same checkpoint, a Kyrgyz national (born in 1980) was detained while attempting to smuggle 1.985 kg of alpha-PVP concealed inside a gas stove transported from Kazakhstan.

Subsequently, another suspect was apprehended in Tashkent — a minor born in 2006 — as he attempted to collect one of the seized drug consignments.

Criminal proceedings have been initiated under Articles 246 (“Smuggling”) and 273 (“Illegal Production, Acquisition, Storage, Transport, or Sale of Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances”) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Investigations are ongoing.