Uzbek Lawmakers Approve SCO Anti-Drug Center Agreement

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, at its regular plenary session, reviewed and approved in the first reading the draft law "On the Ratification of the Agreement between the Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation on the Anti-Drug Center of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation," signed on 1 September 2025 in Tianjin.

During the discussion, it was noted that in recent years, Uzbekistan has been consistently expanding multilateral cooperation within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

At the same time, large-scale measures are being implemented in the country to protect the population from drug addiction, prevent the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and potent substances, as well as to strengthen accountability for relevant offenses.

Deputies emphasized that the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and precursors remains a global threat that requires the consolidation of efforts by the SCO member states.

In this regard, special importance is attached to the exchange of information, strengthening the state border, improving legislation, and coordinating joint actions. The agreement provides for the creation of the SCO Anti-Drug Center.

As noted during the review of the bill, its adoption will strengthen international cooperation among the member states of the organization in countering illicit drug trafficking and drug crime, increase the efficiency of planning and conducting joint operational and preventive measures, improve the training of specialists, and introduce effective mechanisms for the operational exchange of information.

Following the review, the deputies adopted the draft law and sent it to the Senate for consideration.