Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — From 5 to 7 February, the State Security Service (SSS), in cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Uzbekistan, conducted large-scale operational and preventive measures under the codenames "Oriat" and "Qoradori" across the country.

As part of Operation Oriat, carried out on February 7, law enforcement agencies raided saunas, SPA salons, massage parlors, karaoke bars, hotels, hostels, nightclubs, and other public venues. The primary objective was to detect crimes threatening public morality and health while preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and other infectious and dermatovenerological diseases.

During the inspections, 340 establishments were checked, and 2,957 individuals deemed a potential public health risk were interviewed. All underwent rapid medical examinations, resulting in official assessments.

Law enforcement initiated 93 criminal cases, with 94 individuals facing prosecution. Additionally, 153 citizens were subjected to administrative penalties, and 1,920 individuals received preventive counseling. Official warnings were issued to 766 people.

The second phase of the operation, "Qoradori", focused on combating illegal drug trafficking. Law enforcement officers conducted 640 targeted actions, investigating 1,401 individuals suspected of possession, distribution, and use of illegal substances.

As a result, authorities seized 28.857 kg of narcotics, including heroin, opium, hashish, and synthetic drugs, along with 9,421 tablets of potent psychoactive substances, preventing their further distribution.

Additionally, 18 illegal firearms and 126 bladed weapons were confiscated. A total of 269 criminal cases were opened, and 339 individuals faced legal action, including 119 administrative charges. Among those apprehended were 53 fugitives. Preventive counseling was provided to 656 citizens, 234 of whom received official warnings.

During the operation, law enforcement received intelligence about a drug stash in the Yukorichirchik district of Tashkent region. A raid led to the arrest of two men (born in 1986 and 2002) as they attempted to retrieve 1 kg of synthetic drugs. A subsequent search of their residence in the Mirzo-Ulugbek district uncovered an additional 200 g of illicit substances, electronic scales, adhesive tape, and zip-lock bags intended for further distribution.

As part of anti-human trafficking efforts, a Turkish citizen (born in 1986) and two Uzbek nationals, temporarily residing in Tashkent, were arrested. They were caught red-handed attempting to illegally transport two women to Istanbul via Tashkent International Airport for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

Another individual taken into custody was a 44-year-old resident of Uchtepa district, who allegedly assaulted a 37-year-old man, striking him multiple times in the face before stealing a mobile phone worth US$280 and 460,000 soums. A criminal case has been opened, and the suspect has been placed in pretrial detention.

Further investigation revealed that a friend of the detainee was illegally storing firearms. A search conducted on February 6 in Uchtepa district led to the discovery of a 1980-model Makarov pistol, two magazines, and 15 rounds of live ammunition.

Law enforcement agencies will continue special operations to stabilize the criminal situation in other areas.