Surkhandarya teacher detained while attempting to sell opium for $180,000

According to the State Security Service, the operations were carried out jointly with officers from the SSS Border Troops, as well as customs and internal affairs authorities.

During an operation in the Syrdarya region, border guards detained two local residents who attempted to collect six bags thrown over the fence by drug couriers from Tajikistan.

The incident occurred in the Sharqobod neighborhood of the Khavast district along the Uzbek – Tajik state border.

The suspects, born in 1983 and 1990, were stopped by a border patrol while receiving the bags. An inspection carried out in the presence of witnesses revealed that the bags contained 8 kilograms and 314 grams of heroin and 54 kilograms and 458 grams of opium.

In a separate operation in the Surkhandarya region, authorities detained a school teacher suspected of attempting to sell a large quantity of opium.

The suspect, born in 1984 and employed at a general secondary school in the Sariosiyo district, was apprehended while trying to sell 14 kilograms and 680 grams of opium to an undercover buyer for $180,000.

Investigators believe the narcotic substance had previously been delivered to him by drug couriers from Tajikistan.

Criminal cases have been opened against the suspects under several articles of the Criminal Code related to drug trafficking and attempted illegal drug sales.

All detained individuals have been placed in pre-trial detention.

Law enforcement agencies said operational and investigative measures are continuing to identify other persons involved and to dismantle the drug trafficking channels.

Authorities have also urged citizens to report similar violations by calling the State Security Service hotline at 1520. Officials assured that the identity of callers will remain confidential.