The State Security Service of Uzbekistan (DXX) has intercepted major drug smuggling operations in the Tashkent and Surkhandarya provinces, seizing over 35 kg of narcotics.
In one operation, border guards and operatives apprehended two individuals, aged 23 and 28, as they illegally crossed the border from a neighboring state. A search of their two duffel bags uncovered 4.88 kg of opium, 19.86 kg of hashish, and 380 cartons of tobacco products. The suspects are facing charges under Articles 223 (Illegal Border Crossing), 246 (Smuggling), and 273 (Illegal Possession and Trafficking of Narcotics) of the Criminal Code, and have been remanded in custody.
In a separate incident in the Surkhandarya province, three men—aged 48, 45, and 22—were intercepted while attempting to cross the Amu Darya river using an improvised float made from a car tire inner tube. Authorities discovered 2.7 kg of opium and 8.25 kg of hashish in their possession. According to the DXX, the couriers had been promised $200 for every kilogram delivered. Criminal proceedings have been initiated for illegal border crossing and smuggling, and the suspects remain in detention.
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