Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a law introducing amendments to various codes aimed at tightening responsibility for the illegal circulation of potent substances using telecommunications networks and the internet.

According to the amendments, the penalties are increased for the illegal handling of narcotics, their analogs, or psychotropic substances through telecommunications networks and the internet, as well as for involving minors in such crimes.

Additionally, administrative and criminal liability is introduced for the illegal acquisition, storage, transportation, or shipment of potent and toxic substances, even if there is no intent to sell them.

An amendment to the Criminal Code provides penalties for the illegal production, acquisition, storage, transportation, or shipment of potent substances not classified as narcotics or psychotropic substances, if the offense occurs after the application of administrative penalties:

- A fine of up to 50 times of the base estimated value;

- Mandatory community service of up to 360 hours;

- Correctional labor for up to 3 years;

- Restricted freedom from 1 to 3 years;

- Imprisonment for up to 3 years.