Three young men born in 2004 were detained in a Tracker car while distributing drugs.[1] The raids on 21 October 2026 took place in Uchtepa and Bektemir districts of Tashkent and in Ohangaron district of Tashkent region, run by the Interior Ministry’s operational-search department, its regional units and the State Security Service.[1] The three are suspected of acting as warehouse keepers and as distributors who left drugs in hidden places.[1]

Searches of their homes, rented premises and adjoining land found about 500 grams of marijuana, more than 2 kilograms of mephedrone, a synthetic stimulant, 1,000 zip bags and scales.[2] The Tashkent police statement put the total haul at 52,800 single doses.[3]

The operation continued in Yukori Chirchiq district, where police detained people who had come to collect synthetic drugs hidden in open fields, along with their accomplices.[1] Those detained included students at various educational institutions and previously convicted citizens.[3] Investigators say the group had worked for several months for an online drug store, first as zakladchiki — couriers who leave drugs in hidden drop points — and later as warehouse workers.[2]

A criminal case was opened under Article 273, part 6, paragraph “a”, of the Criminal Code, which covers making, processing, buying and storing drugs for sale.[3] The investigation continues.[2]