Drug trafficking gangs uncovered in Fergana

In the Fergana region, law enforcement officers detained a drug trafficking group, the Ministry of Internal Affairs press service reports.

The incident occurred in the Dangara district. During the operation, three people were detained for taking opium hidden in a field near the road from Kokand to Tashkent. It was revealed that one of the group members was a 28-year-old woman who had previously been convicted of drug-related crimes.

It was also established that her accomplices belonged to a cross-border organized narcotic group. It is known that the group members also operated in neighboring Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Law enforcement officers seized 4 kg of opium, which has been documented as material evidence.

A criminal case has been initiated under Articles 246 (Smuggling) and Part 5 of Article 273 (Illegal manufacture, acquisition, storage, and other actions with narcotic drugs, their analogues, or psychotropic substances for the purpose of sale, as well as their sale). Investigative actions are underway. Law enforcement officers are searching for the remaining members of the OCG.

As a reminder, Uzbeks were caught smuggling drugs in Turkey, including blogger Jasmin. The country’s Consulate General reported that the detainees were sent to a closed correctional facility.