Uzbekistan Strengthens Oversight of Firearms Circulation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan is conducting a comprehensive review of agencies responsible for firearms control to enhance the efficiency and transparency of their operations.

The initiative is led by the Agency for Control of Narcotics and Firearms under the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan. An interagency working group is analyzing record-keeping systems, agency operations, and specialized facilities, with an initial focus on units within the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Since the beginning of 2026, law enforcement authorities have reported 227 cases of illegal firearm circulation, while citizens voluntarily surrendered 260 firearms and ammunition items. Inspections also recorded 255 firearms, 2,841 rounds, 57 major weapon components, and 485.7 grams of explosives.

Special attention is being paid to digitalization and integration of information databases, with findings indicating that a centralized digital system and interagency data exchange can significantly improve monitoring and transparency. Procedures for ballistic examinations, automated identification, and licensing of civilian and service weapons have been reviewed, alongside the operation of firearms stores in Tashkent.

Recommendations from the study focus on digital integration, enhanced monitoring, and strengthened oversight, aiming to increase public safety and operational efficiency of law enforcement agencies in controlling firearms circulation.