Drug-related crimes rise across Uzbekistan

Between January and October, authorities uncovered 12,848 drug-related crimes and prevented the illegal circulation of 2,761 kilograms of narcotic, psychotropic, and potent substances. The figures reflect an ongoing nationwide struggle against drug trafficking, illegal distribution networks, and synthetic drug production.

In the September–November period alone, law enforcement registered 3,614 drug offences. A total of 2,346 individuals were detained in connection with these cases, including 194 women and 984 young people, highlighting what officials describe as a troubling rise in youth involvement in drug crime.

During this three-month span, authorities seized 447 kilograms of narcotics, 17 kilograms of synthetic substances, and 84 liters of precursor chemicals used in drug production. Officials also registered 465 cases of online drug trafficking and 2,200 instances of narcographic graffiti, a method used by criminal groups to promote illegal drug sales.

The Customs Committee noted a steady upward trend in drug-related crime across Uzbekistan. In 2021, 7,142 cases were identified. The number rose to 10,011 in 2023 and reached 12,278 in 2024, with 2025 on track to surpass previous years.

The production and dismantling of underground drug laboratories have followed a similar trajectory. While only four illegal laboratories were neutralized in 2021, the number jumped to 12 in 2025.

Uzbekistan has also seen a significant increase in synthetic drug seizures. Authorities confiscated 17 kilograms of synthetic substances in 2021, 32 kilograms in 2022, 79 kilograms in 2023, and 161 kilograms in 2024. In the incomplete reporting period for 2025, 90 kilograms have already been seized.

Additionally, seizures of hashish reached 531 kilograms since the start of the year – the highest level recorded in the past five years.