Tashkent Airport Stops Attempted Synthetic Drug Smuggling

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — An attempt to illegally import synthetic narcotic substances has been stopped at Tashkent International Airport during a joint operational activity conducted by the State Security Service of Uzbekistan and the specialized customs complex "Toshkent-Aero," according to competent authorities following an inspection.

As part of the control measures, baggage and hand luggage belonging to a 1988-born citizen residing in Ferghana region, as well as a 2006-born citizen of the Russian Federation, who arrived from abroad and passed through the green corridor, were inspected.

During the inspection, a total of 986 grams of a synthetic narcotic substance known as alpha-PVP was discovered in two plastic containers disguised as sports nutrition products.

Following the initial detection of the illegal import attempt, operational measures were continued in Sergeli district of Tashkent, where an alleged recipient of the shipment, a 1996-born resident of the capital, was detained. Material evidence confirming his involvement in the case was seized.

A criminal case has been initiated on this fact, and investigative actions are ongoing in accordance with established procedures.