437 people detained in Tajikistan for drug smuggling

The President of Tajikistan is concerned that the influx of narcotic substances and their circulation in the country has increased compared to last year.

On October 29, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, during his speech in Dushanbe, noted that in the first 9 months of this year, 437 people were detained in the country for drug smuggling and illegal drug trafficking.

Emomali Rahmon noted that in the first 9 months, law enforcement agencies of Tajikistan confiscated more than 4 tons of narcotic substances, including 2 tons and 735 kilograms confiscated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Also, during his speech at the opening ceremony of the State Institution for the Training of Highly Qualified Military Personnel in Dushanbe, the president noted that law enforcement agencies had identified 5 organized criminal groups, and 15 members of these groups were detained.

Previously, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Committee for National Security, and the Drug Control Agency under the President of Tajikistan have repeatedly reported the detention of employees and high-ranking officials of the country involved in smuggling, transportation, and distribution of drugs.

Official statistics in Tajikistan also show that smuggling and drug trafficking in most cases cannot be carried out without cooperation, coordination, or prior consultation with some high-ranking officials.

Emomali Rahmon expressed concern that “the sale of synthetic drugs continues in entertainment and public places, and the number of drug addicts remains high.”

It is important to note that most entertainment centers in the cities and districts of Tajikistan either cooperate with or are owned by individuals close to the president’s family and other high-ranking officials. Likely, this appeal by Emomali Rahmon was primarily directed at his children, relatives, and other close representatives of the authorities.