Cross-border drug trafficking ring dismantled in Andijan

The operation, conducted in August 2025, began when authorities stopped and searched a Daewoo Matiz in Pakhtaabad district. Officers discovered 1.976 kg of hashish and electronic scales in the possession of a 40-year-old man. The individual, a previously convicted drug offender, was identified as the group’s leader. A subsequent search of his residence uncovered an additional 2.236 kg of hashish.

Three other members of the syndicate were also arrested during the investigation. Seized evidence included 391 grams of hashish and 542 grams of marijuana. Investigators determined that the group smuggled narcotics from Kyrgyzstan for distribution within Uzbekistan, estimating that nearly 10 kg of hashish had been introduced into illegal circulation in total.

The Izbaskan district criminal court found all defendants guilty under Articles 246 and 273 of the Criminal Code. The group members received prison terms ranging from 8–11 years.