A group of drug traffickers has been detained for smuggling over half a ton of drugs abroad

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan reported the detention of nine individuals on suspicion of drug trafficking.

According to the investigation, this group has smuggled more than half a ton of drugs across the border in the past year.

A video report published by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan states that 24 kilograms of hashish were found and seized in a hideout in the Matchin district, linked to members of this group.

Law enforcement agencies claim that the drugs were imported into Tajikistan from Afghanistan and were intended for transportation to another country. The specific country they intended to smuggle the drugs to has not been disclosed.

The published video from the Ministry of Internal Affairs mentions that a resident of the Matchin district, Azamov Muzafar, whom the investigation identifies as the gang leader, had previously been convicted and served time in prison. After his release from prison in 2025, he formed this gang. According to him, he has smuggled hashish weighing a total of 550–600 kilograms in about 20–25 instances.

One of the detainees in the video states that they were promised $2,500 for the transportation. It is unclear under what conditions this video was recorded and these statements were made.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the group members were residents of the Matchin district, Varzob district, and the city of Dushanbe.

It is reported that a criminal case has been initiated against them under part 4 of Article 200 of the Criminal Code of Tajikistan (illegal drug trafficking committed by an organized group in especially large amounts). The suspects have been placed in a detention center.

The detainees or their lawyers have not commented on the charges.

The announcement of this detention comes against the backdrop of data from the Drug Control Agency of Tajikistan, which reported that in the first half of 2026, Tajik law enforcement agencies seized 2 tons and 963 kilograms of drugs. This figure is 143 kilograms less compared to the same period last year. However, registered drug-related cases increased from 534 to 592.