Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan plans to intensify its efforts to combat the illegal circulation of narcotic and psychotropic substances. This was announced by Minister of Internal Affairs Aziz Tashpulatov in an interview with the “Uzbekistan 24” television channel, summarizing the outcomes of a meeting held by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

According to the Minister, despite active efforts to dismantle underground laboratories and destroy banned substances, the problem remains unresolved. In this regard, the President emphasized the need to implement video surveillance systems and artificial intelligence technologies to trace drug distribution channels and identify their sources.

Tashpulatov noted that the rise in the circulation of narcotics and psychotropics is a global trend, not unique to Uzbekistan. In 2024, over 2,138 kilograms of illegal substances were seized in the country, and in the first half of 2025 alone, that number has already exceeded 1,890 kilograms.

The Minister stressed that, on the President’s instructions, law enforcement agencies will step up their efforts to eliminate this threat, which poses a serious danger to the lives and health of citizens. In coordination with other security bodies, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will regularly conduct national campaigns under the slogan “A Safe and Healthy Nation.”

During the most recent campaign, held from 15 April to 15 May, authorities across the country confiscated 17,300 bladed weapons, seized more than 334 kilograms of narcotics, detained nearly 1,000 wanted individuals, located 383 missing persons, and recorded over 190,000 traffic violations.

Tashpulatov also announced the launch of a 24/7 call center under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, where specialists will provide expert consultations to the public on the dangers of drug use. Special attention will be paid to building public resilience against drug addiction, including targeted preventive outreach to parents and, most importantly, to youth.