As part of the large-scale operational and preventive measures 'Safe and Healthy Country,' officers from the State Security Service (SSS), together with customs and internal affairs officials, have thwarted two major drug-related crimes in Uzbekistan.

The first incident occurred in Tashkent. SSS and customs operatives detained a previously convicted resident of the Yashnabad district, born in 1983. The man was caught red-handed in the Yakkasaray district while receiving an international courier package from the West African state of Sierra Leone. Inspection of the shipment revealed 728 grams of cocaine hidden inside auto parts.

During a search of the suspect's residence, law enforcement also seized powdered substances in zip-lock bags and confectionery products containing drugs. A criminal case has been initiated under Part 2 of Article 246 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan, and an investigation is underway.

The second crime was uncovered in the Bostanlyk district of Tashkent region during a joint operation by the SSS and internal affairs bodies. Specialists established that a local resident, born in 1971, had organized an illegal plantation of narcotic plants on mountain slopes near the village of Gilavasoy. Officers discovered and seized 17,600 opium poppy bushes and nine cannabis plants, which were being carefully cultivated by the suspect.

Additionally, dried poppy heads and crushed dry narcotic substances were found in the man's home. A criminal case has been opened under Article 270, Part 2, paragraph 'c,' and Articles 25, 273, Part 6, paragraph 'a' of the Criminal Code. Investigative actions are ongoing.

Source: podrobno.uz