In the first half of 2024, Tajikistan witnessed an increase in drug seizures, with the Khatlon region accounting for 44.6% of the total haul, according to Samad Zafar, Director of the Drug Control Agency under the President of Tajikistan. Speaking at a press conference, Zafar detailed the extent of the drug problem and the measures being taken to combat it.
Zafar reported that "3 tons 96 kg 611 g of drugs were seized in the country as a whole," marking a 25% increase (619 kg) compared to the same period in 2023. The Khatlon region, particularly its border areas where drugs are smuggled from Afghanistan, was highlighted as a notable point of concern.
"The bulk of these substances were confiscated in the Khatlon region, especially in the border areas where drugs are smuggled from Afghanistan. During the reporting period, 1 ton 381 kg of drugs were seized in this region, which is 44.6% of the total volume of substances seized in the country," Zafar stated.
Additionally, Tajikistan saw a dramatic rise in the seizure of psychotropic drugs. In the first six months of the year, authorities confiscated 13,731 tablets of psychotropic drugs, which is "4.6 times more (10,776 tablets) than in the same period last year." The country also seized 84 kg of psychotropic substances in powder form, with methamphetamine making up the majority at 80 kg 977 g.
Despite the surge in drug seizures, Zafar emphasized that Tajikistan does not have drug production laboratories within its borders.
"The head of the agency noted that there are no drug production laboratories in the country, and they are smuggled into the country from abroad, especially from Afghanistan."
He also pointed out the lack of cooperation between Tajikistan's anti-drug agencies and those in Afghanistan, stating, "there are no joint operations or events."
The first half of 2024 also saw an increase in the number of foreign citizens detained for drug trafficking in Tajikistan. Zafar noted that
"10 foreign citizens were detained in Tajikistan for drug trafficking, which is five people more than in the same period of 2023."
These individuals were found with more than 235 kg of drugs. Among the detainees were five citizens of Afghanistan, three from Uzbekistan, one from Kazakhstan, and one from Kyrgyzstan.
On an international level, Tajiks continue to be involved in drug trafficking. Information received by the AKN (Agency for Narcotics Control) from other countries revealed that in the first half of 2024, 528 Tajiks were detained abroad, compared to 610 in the same period of 2023. A total of 96 kg of drugs were seized from these individuals. The majority of these arrests occurred in Russia, with 502 Tajiks detained. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan each reported the detention of three Tajik citizens.
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