Uzbekistan detains 14 suspects linked to transnational drug network in Tashkent

September 9, 2026 at 10:51 AM2 min

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Uzbekistan's Interior Ministry detained 14 people suspected of involvement in a transnational drug network operating in Tashkent. The operation, conducted with the State Security Service, Customs Committee, and foreign law enforcement, seized 2.5 kg of alpha-PVP synthetic drug. A 21-year-old university student working as a drug courier was among those arrested.

Key Facts

The Interior Ministry detained 14 people in Tashkent suspected of links to a transnational drug network.
Police seized 2.5 kg of alpha-PVP synthetic drug, equivalent to 71,433 single doses.
A 21-year-old university student was arrested as a drug courier with 500 grams of alpha-PVP hidden in his Onix car.
One of the network's leaders was detained abroad by foreign law enforcement.
All suspects face charges under Article 273, Part 6 of Uzbekistan's Criminal Code, carrying 15 to 20 years in prison.

The Operation

The Interior Ministry's Operational Search Department conducted large-scale operations in Tashkent's Chilanzar, Yunusabad, Yangihayot, and Bektemir districts. The operation was carried out in cooperation with the State Security Service, Customs Committee, and foreign law enforcement agencies. Six operational directions led to the identification of the network's members.

Arrests and Seizures

A 21-year-old student at a prestigious university was found working as a drug courier for an online drug store. His Onix car was stopped at a checkpoint in Yangihayot district, where 500 grams of alpha-PVP were hidden in the cabin. The network's member operating in Namangan region was also detained. Seven warehouse keepers, six drug couriers, and one leader were arrested in Uzbekistan. A total of 2.5 kg of alpha-PVP was seized, equivalent to 71,433 single doses.

Legal Proceedings

All 14 suspects are charged under Article 273, Part 6 of Uzbekistan's Criminal Code. The charge involves preparation, processing, acquisition, storage, transportation, or transfer of drugs in large quantities by an organized group across two or more states or using the Internet. The offense carries a penalty of 15 to 20 years of imprisonment. All suspects have been placed in custody as a preventive measure.