Law-enforcement officers in Tajikistan’s Asht district detained members of what the authorities described as an organised transnational group.[1] The investigation focused on 53-year-old Ilmiddin Amonov, a resident of the Shaydoi jamoat who, according to the investigation, had previously been convicted of unlawful drug trafficking.[1] Investigators allege that Amonov organised the transportation of the prohibited substances together with a citizen of Afghanistan.[1] Three brothers — Amriddin, Mukhiddin and Shakhrom Odirmatov — were also detained by officers in connection with the same alleged trafficking case.[1]

Police found 6 kg 500 g of hashish in the detained people’s possession, according to the Interior Ministry.[1] Preliminary findings indicate that the seized drugs had been obtained in Afghanistan before entering the alleged onward trafficking route.[1] The plan, according to investigators, was to move the consignment through Tajikistan to destinations outside the country.[1]

Those detained remain in pretrial detention while the case proceeds.[1] Authorities have opened a criminal case over the seizure and say the investigation is continuing.[1]