Uzbekistan wants to tighten penalties for drug trafficking

Uzbekistan plans to tighten penalties for the illegal circulation of prescription drugs, the Legislative Chamber’s press service reports.

According to the information, in 2022-2025, law enforcement officers seized 285 thousand medicines worth 18 billion soums from illegal circulation. At the same time, it was noted that in 2024, the number of such cases increased threefold compared to the same period in 2022. The deputies emphasized that the current legislative sanctions for such offenses are disproportionate, and the mechanisms for suppressing and preventing the illegal circulation of medicines and medical devices require refinement.

In this regard, amendments are planned to the Criminal Code and the Code of Administrative Responsibility. Thus, it is planned to introduce criminal liability for violating the procedure for the retail sale of prescription medicines containing potent substances in a large amount or after the application of an administrative penalty. Also, the authorities plan to add a fine of 200 to 300 BCV (82.4 to 123.6 million soums) to the Criminal Code.

The Code of Administrative Offenses will increase the amount of fines for violating the procedure for retail sale of both preparations that do not contain potent substances and medicines containing such components. It is planned that the adoption of the document will serve to reliably protect the health of the population, ensure strict compliance with the requirements for the sale of medicines, as well as increase the effectiveness of combating offenses in this area.

Before the document comes into force, it must pass another reading in the Legislative Chamber, be approved by the Senate, and be signed by the president.

Earlier, it was reported that Uzbekistan conducted raids on pharmacies selling low-quality drugs. As a result, specialists identified eight organizations that were selling illegal foreign-made drugs.