Several individuals have been arrested in Tashkent on suspicion of illegally obtaining and distributing the potent drug pregabalin from abroad, the Uzbekistan State Security Service (SGS) has reported.
According to SGS that during the inspection of packages addressed to six people from China, a white powdery substance with no odor was found packed in plastic bags. The substance was identified as pregabalin after examination, and the total amount seized was 75 kg 737 g.
The packages were falsely declared as containing cosmetic raw materials in the documents. In a swift operation by the SGS and Customs Committee, a representative of the group was apprehended while receiving the parcels. Subsequently, four more individuals were arrested.
Upon searching their rented apartment, a mini-laboratory was discovered, where they were repackaging pregabalin into capsules and selling it through social media. The seized substance was sufficient to create over 150,000 capsules.
Criminal proceedings have been initiated against the suspects, and investigations are ongoing.
Pregabalin is a synthetic medication used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and generalized anxiety disorder. One of its side effects is euphoria, and it can lead to dependency when abused. It is also known under the brand name "Lyrica."
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