Two arrested in Samarkand for selling low-quality medicines via social media

A large-scale supply channel for substandard medicines has been dismantled in Samarkand following a joint law enforcement operation.

Photo: Prosecutor's Office Departments

Authorities seized a batch of drugs that had been stored in unsanitary conditions and distributed through pharmacy networks.

The investigation found that two individuals had organized the purchase of medicines via social media. Without proper storage conditions, the drugs were kept in unsuitable premises and later supplied to retail outlets.

During inspections, officers discovered more than 29,000 packages of medicines across 90 different types. The total value of the seized goods was estimated at about UZS 2.6 billion.

All of the seized medicines have been declared substandard and added to the case as material evidence.

A criminal case has been opened under Articles 186-3 and 228 of the country’s Criminal Code, which provide for liability for the circulation of falsified medicines and the use of forged documents. The investigation is ongoing.

Separately, Uzbekistan is preparing to launch online sales of medicines through marketplaces and delivery systems under a presidential decree aimed at boosting e-commerce.