New measures proposed in Uzbekistan to combat the legalization of proceeds from drug crimes

New measures are being proposed in Uzbekistan to combat the legalization of money earned through drug crimes. This is stated in the draft law “On Narcotics and Highly Effective Substances”, which was considered in the first reading at the meeting of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis on August 11.

This document is aimed at effectively regulating the circulation of narcotic drugs and highly effective substances, preventing drug addiction and drug crimes, protecting public health, and strengthening cooperation between state bodies in this regard.

The draft law provides for comprehensive regulation of the circulation of narcotic drugs, highly effective substances and precursors, as well as the fight against drug addiction and drug crimes. The document provides for legal definitions of such concepts as “narcotics”, “drug crime”, “drug addiction”, “fight against drug addiction”, “fight against drug crimes” and “illegal drug laboratory”.

It is also proposed to clarify the powers of state bodies and organizations in the field of control over the circulation of narcotic drugs, strong substances and precursors and the fight against drug addiction and drug crimes. It is determined that the coordination of the activities of state bodies and organizations in this area will be carried out by the State Commission for Control over Narcotics of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The draft law also pays special attention to the issue of combating new methods of drug crimes, in particular, those committed via the Internet. The responsible state bodies are assigned specific tasks to identify illegal drug laboratories and put an end to their activities, implement operational-search and other measures to eliminate channels for the illegal circulation of drugs.

Along with controlling the circulation of drugs, the document also provides for strengthening preventive measures aimed at preventing drug addiction. In particular, tasks are being set to form immunity against drug addiction among the population, especially young people and women, prevent the spread of drugs in educational institutions, improve the system of drug assistance, prevention, diagnostics, treatment and medical and social rehabilitation.

In addition, it is proposed to introduce new mechanisms to combat the legalization of proceeds from drug crimes. In particular, it is stipulated that a legal entity that has committed a drug crime or carried out financial transactions with the aim of legalizing proceeds from drug crimes may be liquidated based on a court decision.

We would like to remind you that on June 11, 2026, amendments and additions were made to certain legislative acts in Uzbekistan, which increased responsibility for drug-related crimes. The law increases responsibility for establishing a clandestine drug laboratory or drug den, sponsoring drug crimes, and distributing drugs transnationally or using the Internet.