Drug smugglers are threatening our security by transporting drugs produced in neighbouring countries via Uzbekistan because of its suitable geographical location and gradually intensifying processes of international integration. Cases of smuggling drugs from Tajikistan into Uzbekistan have become frequent lately. It is surprising that Tajik drug smugglers are actively trying to create a permanent route for transporting drugs through our country with the aim of constantly using it. These drugs are being produced in Tajikistan and not in Afghanistan like some years ago.

Tajik heroin is increasingly threatening security and stability in the Central Asian region. Uzbek law-enforcement agencies are taking comprehensive measures to fight the threat and are succeeding in collecting information on and foiling attempts to transport drugs via Uzbekistan.

In September 2008, officers of the Uzbek National Security Service [NSS] uncovered an organized group of smugglers as well as a large route which smugglers used to transport Tajik heroin. Drugs sent from Tajikistan’s Tursunzoda District were supplied to neighbouring countries via Uzbekistan’s [southern] Surkhandarya, Qashqadaryo, [central] Navoi, Bukhara, [northwestern] Khorazm regions and the [constituent] republic of Qoraqalpogiston.

For example, 190 kg of opium produced in Tajikistan was seized on 11 September this year in Surkhandarya Region’s Denov District. Another organized criminal group was detained in Beruniy District of the republic of Qoraqalpogiston while attempting to smuggle 50 kg of heroin into neighbouring Turkmenistan.

As a result of accurate plans and rapid operations, officers the NSS established that a large amount of drugs were being kept in Navoi Region’s Hatirchi District. In particular, 125 kg of drugs were found buried in the ground in Muhtor Boboyev’s house in this district. Criminal groups chose Navoi Region as a main route and also smuggled drugs via Samarqand, Jizzakh, Syrdaryo and Tashkent regions as a second route. In particular, a member of a criminal group was detained with 9 kg of heroin on 13 September 2008 in the town of Bekobod in Tashkent Region. It is a pity that Uzbek women are also engaged in drug smuggling.