Uzbekistan to tighten penalties for drug-related crimes

In Uzbekistan, the punishment for the sale, use, storage, and circulation of narcotic substances will be strengthened, and the authorities plan to pay special attention to protecting children from prohibited substances, according to a government decree.

According to the information, now organizing and ensuring the activities of a narco-criminal community, as well as the sale of drugs in large quantities, including for cross-border schemes and sale via the internet, will be punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Also, the authorities will tighten the responsibility for the patronage of illegal drug trafficking by officials, the creation of drug laboratories and their activities.

In addition, now there will be administrative liability in the form of detention for up to 15 days for the use of drugs in public places. For involving minors in the use of psychotropic substances, especially in schools, student dormitories, and children’s camps, there will be a threat of imprisonment for up to 10 years. This will also be considered an aggravating circumstance. In addition, the punishment for the sale and circulation of narcotics in educational institutions will be increased to double the amount.

Earlier, it was reported that law enforcement officers discovered a large batch of drugs in the Tashkent region. The substances were smuggled into the country, and the search for those involved in the crime began.