Six suspected members of a transnational organised drug group were detained in Fergana, Andijan and Tashkent regions.[1] The detainees were suspected of transporting drugs as part of an international group.[1] A second account confirms that six members of the organised criminal group were detained in the same three regions.[2]

A joint operation by the Interior Ministry’s operative-search department, the State Security Service and the Customs Committee seized 111 kg of drugs in total, including 81 kg of hashish and 30 kg of opium.[1] The Interior Ministry said the cross-border group had distributed drugs for several years.[1] On 13 September, a Fergana region resident was detained while receiving a batch of drugs.[1] Two suspects were caught in Andijan region as they removed 10 kg of hashish from a hiding place.[1] Two group members living in Andijan region were detained in a cafe while buying 1 kg of opium for 6,000 US dollars.[1] In Angren, a previously thrice-convicted man was caught while receiving 5 kg of opium.[1]

Criminal cases were opened and an investigation is under way.[1] Efforts are continuing to detain the group’s remaining suspected members.[1]