Mirziyoyev Signs Decree to Strengthen Fight Against Drug Crimes

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree aimed at intensifying the fight against drug addiction and drug-related crimes, including measures to protect public health and the nation’s genetic fund.

The document establishes a comprehensive set of measures for the early prevention, detection, and punishment of offenses related to narcotic substances, while also expanding opportunities for preventive work among youth and minors.

The decree significantly increases criminal liability. Imprisonment for up to twenty years is stipulated for organizing a drug crime group, conducting cross-border drug operations or trafficking drugs via the internet by an organized group, facilitating illegal drug circulation through abuse of official powers, and organizing drug laboratories.

Administrative penalties include up to fifteen days of detention for drug use in public places.

Penalties may be doubled for the production, processing, storage, transportation, or sale of drugs in large quantities, for trafficking potent substances in educational institutions, correctional facilities, or via the internet, and for involving others in drug use that results in death or serious harm.

Special attention is given to the protection of minors and youth. Any drug-related crime committed against a minor is considered an aggravating circumstance, and direct involvement of children in drug use within educational institutions or student dormitories carries criminal liability of up to ten years of imprisonment. Illegal handling of potent substances in schools, summer camps, or adjacent areas doubles the punishment.

The decree prohibits parole for individuals convicted of certain types of drug offenses.

Government bodies and local hokimiyats are assigned personal responsibility for implementing these measures, including monthly monitoring of the National Program and strict oversight by the Coordinating Working Group under the Presidential Administration.

The Ministry of Digital Technologies and the Ministry of Internal Affairs plan to implement digital solutions and artificial intelligence to detect online drug sales and curb illegal drug circulation on the internet.

Additionally, the agencies will establish units to combat the illegal trafficking of precursors and equip them with modern technical tools for operational testing of narcotic substances.