Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Law enforcement authorities in the Ferghana region have uncovered and dismantled an underground laboratory producing synthetic drugs. During a special operation, a large quantity of illegal substances and materials used in drug production was seized.

The raid took place in the Mindonabad mahalla of the Ferghana district, where three individuals had set up a drug production facility in a rented residential property. A search of the premises uncovered 8.2 kg of alpha-PVP, 4.2 kg of spice, 12.4 kg of mephedrone and its components, 13.3 kg of chemical substances used in drug manufacturing, as well as tobacco products.

Expert analysis determined that the black market value of the seized substances was 9.2 billion soums. Investigators found that the criminal group had been receiving raw materials from suppliers via the internet and concealing the finished drugs in hidden stashes, the locations of which were then shared with accomplices for further distribution. The detainees were paid US$500 per week in cryptocurrency for their activities.

A criminal case has been initiated, and the court has ordered that the suspects remain in pre-trial detention pending further investigation.