Authorities seize UZS 15 billion worth of counterfeit and expired medicines in Namangan

Officers from the State Security Service, customs authorities, and the Department under the Prosecutor General’s Office have blocked the circulation of a large batch of illegally imported and uncertified medicines in Namangan region.

Specifically, a resident of Kosonsoy district was caught selling 2,100 boxes of "Ferromed," produced in India, unregistered, and lacking a conformity certificate, to a conditional buyer for UZS 168 million.

During the operation, an additional 4,296 boxes of "Ferromed" were found in his home. According to the valuation report, the total value of 6,396 boxes of drugs amounted to UZS 1.223 billion.

A criminal case has been opened against the offender under Article 186-3 of the Criminal Code (manufacturing, obtaining, storing, transporting, or distributing substandard or counterfeit medicines or medical devices, including violations of prescription drug sale regulations). Investigative actions are ongoing.

In addition, three unauthorized warehouses linked to a Namangan-based wholesale pharmaceutical company, its warehouse manager, and two associates were inspected.

Authorities discovered 195,323 counterfeit drug units under 2,307 names, with a total value exceeding UZS 12.8 billion. The medicines have been sent for forensic chemical and commodity examination, while pre-trial inspections continue.

Furthermore, two secret warehouses in Namangan city and Uychi district were found to contain 45,641 units of 128 foreign-made drugs, valued at UZS 1.2 billion.

Many of the uncertified medicines were found to be expired. All seized drugs are currently undergoing expert examination, and pre-trial investigative measures are ongoing.