President Mirziyoyev signs law toughening penalties for involving minors in drug use
Uzbekistan has increased prison sentences for involving minors in the use of narcotic drugs and other intoxicating substances, with offenders facing up to 10 years in prison in aggravated cases.
President Mirziyoyev signs law toughening penalties for involving minors in drug use
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a law that strengthens liability for involving minors in antisocial behavior.
Under the amendments, the fine for involving a minor in consuming alcohol or other substances that affect mental and volitional functions has been raised from 100–200 to 150–250 times the base calculation amount, if the offender has already received an administrative penalty for the same offense. This is equivalent to roughly UZS 66 million to UZS 110 million.
Other punishments include 360–400 hours of compulsory community service, corrective labor for up to three years, or restriction of liberty or imprisonment for three to five years. Previously, the maximum prison term for this offense was three years.
The law also raises prison terms for involving minors in the use of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or their analogues, as well as certain potent substances, from three–five years to five–seven years.
If the offense is repeated, involves two or more minors, is committed on the premises of an educational institution, or leads to a death or other serious consequences, the offender faces seven to 10 years in prison. Previously, the law set prison terms of five to 10 years for such aggravated cases.