Uzbekistan cracks down on organised crime in nationwide operation

Uzbekistan’s State Security Service (SSS) and Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) have dismantled 18 organised criminal groups and taken strong action against 51 others during a nationwide security operation that began on January 20. 

Over 2,000 raids across all regions uncovered a significant arsenal of weapons, explosives, and illegal drugs, disrupting criminal networks and preventing tens of thousands of doses of psychotropic substances from reaching the public, Caliber.Az reports per Uzbek media. 

Law enforcement officials expressed particular concern over the weapons seized during the raids. Authorities confiscated 104 firearms, around 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and 1.5 kilograms of explosives.

The operation also yielded notable results in Uzbekistan’s fight against drug trafficking. Police and security forces seized 123 kilograms of illegal substances, preventing the circulation of an estimated 57,000 units of psychotropic and potent drugs. Officials emphasised that disrupting distribution networks for synthetic and hard drugs is crucial both for public health and for cutting off funding sources for organised crime.

Investigative efforts remain ongoing, with authorities continuing around-the-clock work to identify hidden criminal networks. Officials stressed that the primary goal of the operation is to ensure citizen safety and maintain public order nationwide.

By Sabina Mammadli