In Tashkent, a transnational drug network has been exposed, 14 people detained. Video

A transnational drug network has been uncovered in Tashkent, with 14 people detained. Video

A major transnational drug network has been uncovered in Tashkent. Some participants in this scheme were involved in storing and packaging drugs, others made hidden drops (zakladki), while so-called "athletes" maintained order. A total of 14 suspected members of the group were detained, and 2.5 kilograms of the synthetic drug "Alpha-PVP" — approximately 71.4 thousand single doses — were seized from them.

The operation began after a vehicle check in the Yangikhayot district. Law enforcement officers stopped an Onix driven by a 21-year-old third-year student of one of the capital's universities. Inside the car, 500 grams of "Alpha-PVP" were found.

Following his detention, the young man gave testimony that helped track down other suspected participants in the scheme. Subsequent operations took place simultaneously in the Chilanzar, Yunusabad, Yangikhayot, and Bektemir districts.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the detainees were linked to a transnational criminal organization. According to investigators, its activities in Tashkent were divided among several groups. Seven people acted as "warehouse workers," storing and packaging the drugs. Another six were engaged in distribution through online stores and Telegram bots, using so-called hidden drops.

According to the investigation, a significant portion of this group consisted of young people, including students. At the same time, according to the case materials, the group also had its own "internal control" system: so-called "athletes" were tasked with collecting debts and ensuring that participants in the scheme did not misappropriate the drugs.

One of the suspected leaders of the network turned out to be a Russian citizen. According to law enforcement agencies, he was detained by Russian colleagues.

The operation was conducted jointly by officers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Security Service, the Customs Committee of Uzbekistan, and foreign law enforcement agencies.

A criminal case has been initiated regarding this fact under the article on illicit drug trafficking. The suspects have been taken into custody.

Earlier in Tashkent, more than 580 grams of the synthetic drug "Alpha-PVP" were discovered in two construction tools sent from Russia via postal shipments. In one case, the substance was hidden in a rotary hammer, and in the other, in a chainsaw.