Nearly 14 Kilograms of Opium Seized in Jizzakh Region

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Officers from the Tashkent Regional Department of the State Security Service (SGB), working alongside customs officials, seized 13.653 kilograms of a substance suspected to be opium in the Yangiabad district of Jizzakh region, according to the SGB.

Criminal proceedings have been opened against three individuals in connection with the operation.

Law enforcement authorities conducted operational measures across the Syrdarya and Jizzakh regions to counter illicit drug trafficking. During the operation, officers inspected a temporary residence occupied by a 41-year-old Tashkent resident with a prior criminal record.

A 43-year-old citizen of Tajikistan and a 64-year-old resident of Kashkadarya region, who also holds a previous conviction for drug-related offenses, were present at the location.

Investigators established that the three men conspired to retrieve narcotics previously placed in a secret stash in the Yangiabad district of Jizzakh region by couriers from neighboring Tajikistan. The suspects intended to sell and distribute the drugs for financial gain.

Following the initial inspection, law enforcement personnel expanded the operation to the location of the stash. Officers recovered and seized 13.653 kilograms of suspected opium, documenting the procedure in accordance with legal requirements.

A criminal case has been launched against the suspects, and investigative activities remain ongoing.