State Security Service Detains Drug Traffickers in Karakalpakstan with Large Opium Shipment

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In Karakalpakstan, officers of the State Security Service (SSS) dismantled a group involved in illegal drug trafficking, seizing a large quantity of opium, the agency’s press service reported.

During operational activities in Nukus, a 53-year-old man with a prior criminal record was detained while attempting to sell 9 grams of opium to a 60-year-old buyer for 4 million soums. A personal search revealed an additional 5 grams of the narcotic, which were also confiscated.

Further investigation identified the supplier, a 44-year-old man previously convicted of drug-related offenses. He was apprehended in the Khodjeyli district while attempting to sell 20 grams of opium for 8 million soums. A subsequent search uncovered an additional 1 kilogram and 176 grams of opium.

The investigation determined that the narcotics had been smuggled into Uzbekistan from Tajikistan.

A criminal case has been initiated under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code. The detained individuals have been remanded in custody, and investigative actions are ongoing.