The Customs Committee of Uzbekistan announced the conduct of rapid operations in Namangan and Andijan regions, as well as Tashkent city, aimed at curbing the illegal circulation of drugs and medical supplies. These operations resulted in the seizure of large quantities of counterfeit and uncertified products, highlighting serious issues with healthcare-related violations in the country and raising concerns about public safety and regulatory enforcement.
In Namangan region, a joint inspection with the State Security Service and internal affairs agencies at a suspect's residence uncovered 37,320 packages of drugs of 29 types, manufactured abroad but lacking documents confirming quality and customs clearance. Additionally, 31,800 capsules of “Gabapentin Kanon” were identified; this substance is listed as a potent agent, with criminal liability even for 10 grams. Preliminary estimates indicate the total value of the seized drugs is approximately 2 billion soums.
In Andijan region, operations conducted in collaboration with customs, the State Security Service, internal affairs, and the National Guard led to the exposure of clandestine laboratories and workshops organized by three individuals in Andijan and Asaka cities, as well as Asaka district, where counterfeit drugs were being produced. During the inspection, equipment for drug preparation, empty vials, labels, and other accessories were found. As material evidence, 4 pieces of equipment worth 1.25 billion soums, 6 seals, 214,000 empty containers, and other items were seized. Furthermore, 286,676 units of drugs of 163 types, with unguaranteed quality, were confiscated.
Original versions of drugs such as “Tivortin”, “Layboten”, and “Revarton”, produced by makeshift methods, are estimated to be worth around 10 billion soums on the market. Experts warn that the entry of such counterfeit products into circulation not only causes economic damage but also poses a serious threat to public health, as uncontrolled composition can lead to poisoning, allergic reactions, or worsening of diseases.
In a separate operation in Tashkent city, staff of the specialized customs complex “Tashkent-AERO” along with partner agencies inspected a residential premises in Yangihayot district, where 3,613 units of various medical supplies of 38 types were found to be stored illegally. Among them were high-risk items such as stents and catheters. Preliminary estimates suggest the value of these medical devices exceeds 1.1 billion soums.
According to the Customs Committee, since the beginning of the current year, illegal trafficking of drugs and medical supplies with a total value of 18 billion soums has been stopped in 484 cases. Currently, investigative actions are ongoing in all cases prior to criminal proceedings, indicating the pervasiveness of the issue and the state's efforts to combat it, though challenges in enforcement and public health risks remain significant.
Source: www.gazeta.uz