Tashkent, Uzbekistan — A man suspected of cultivating and selling narcotics has been detained in the Zangiota district of Tashkent region, according to a report by Podrobno.uz. Law enforcement officials say he packed part of the prohibited substances into matchboxes for sale while storing larger stockpiles in glass jars at his home. The operation was carried out by officers of the Tashkent regional Internal Affairs Directorate and the State Security Service.
Key Takeaways: The suspect was detained during a controlled purchase while attempting to sell pre-packaged doses, and 10 matchboxes containing dried substance were found on him. A search of his home uncovered large quantities of narcotics hidden in glass jars in the garden, an outbuilding and other caches. A criminal case has been opened, the suspect is in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.
According to the authorities, the man was involved in selling drugs in Tashkent and the surrounding region. The detention took place as part of operational measures aimed at disrupting local distribution channels, with officers moving in when he tried to hand over packaged doses during a controlled purchase. The report did not specify the exact type or total weight of the seized substances, saying this would be established through forensic testing. Officials indicated that further details would be announced in line with the investigation.
After the detention, investigators searched the suspect’s home and adjacent premises. In the garden, a utility building and other hiding places, they found a significant quantity of narcotic substances stored in glass jars. The investigation believes the man cultivated prohibited plants himself, then processed them and prepared them for sale. Law enforcement officials are now checking whether other people were involved in the supply or distribution chain and how the substances were stored and moved.
A criminal case has been opened under articles covering the illegal cultivation of prohibited crops and the illegal circulation of narcotic substances with intent to sell. Under Uzbek law, such offences can carry a prison term of up to 20 years. The suspect has been placed under arrest, and preliminary investigative measures are continuing; further procedural decisions will follow after experts determine the composition and volume of the seized materials.
The case reflects continued law-enforcement attention to drug-related crime in Uzbekistan. Podrobno.uz recalled that earlier, in the Turtkul district of Karakalpakstan, officers seized more than two kilograms of marijuana and detained a suspect during the transfer of the banned substance to another person. Authorities have not announced a final charge or trial date in the Tashkent region case, and the investigation is expected to clarify the full circumstances before the file moves to court.
Source: podrobno.uz