Uzbek authorities foil international drug trafficking network, seize over 34 kg of narcotics
Uzbek authorities have dismantled an international drug trafficking operation after intercepting more than 34 kilograms of narcotics smuggled into the country through a series of international transit routes.
Uzbekistan's National Agency for Control over Narcotics and Firearms announced the dismantling of an international drug trafficking operation and the confiscation of more than 34 kilograms of illicit drugs.
The agency reported that the network was purportedly managed via social media by an individual named Ramzan, who orchestrated drug deliveries originating from Thailand. The group intentionally recruited couriers from a neighboring nation who had no prior travel history to Uzbekistan, under the assumption that they would face less scrutiny from customs authorities.
The initial incident involved a passenger arriving from Phuket with 7.18 kilograms of mephedrone, a synthetic drug, hidden within powdered milk and spice packages.
Following multiple failed attempts to smuggle drugs on direct flights from Thailand, investigators noted that the network resorted to more intricate transit routes through third countries to evade detection.
One instance involved a courier traveling from Bangkok to Tashkent via Vietnam and South Korea. Authorities stated that this passenger was carrying 11.1 kilograms of hashish oil, which had gone undetected through airports in both transit countries before reaching Uzbekistan. Investigators monitored the suspect upon arrival, trailing him to a bus terminal in Tashkent's Chilanzar district, where his luggage was searched. The narcotics, concealed in containers of chocolate spread, shampoo, ketchup, and spices, were reportedly intended for neighboring Kazakhstan.
In a separate case, customs officials intercepted a passenger en route from Thailand to Tashkent via Sharjah, discovering nearly 4.5 kilograms of mephedrone hidden within food packaging.
The fourth case involved a passenger who flew from Bangkok to Tashkent via New Delhi. Officers found 11.86 kilograms of hashish oil concealed inside food containers and shampoo bottles.
The State Security Service confirmed that a criminal case has been initiated under Part 2 of Article 246 of the Criminal Code, pertaining to smuggling. The suspects are currently in pretrial detention, and the investigation is ongoing.