Global threat
national view
The fact that Afghanistan has been one of the main drug production centers in the world for many years creates certain dangers for the countries of Central Asia, including Uzbekistan. The convenient geographical location of our country is the reason why some criminal organizations try to see it as a route for the transportation of narcotics or a promising consumer market. In this regard, the fight against the illegal circulation of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and powerful drugs in our country is defined as one of the important directions of the state policy. In this regard, comprehensive preventive, organizational and legal measures are being implemented by law enforcement bodies and official organizations.
Systematic and uncompromising work is carried out every day to combat drug crime, eliminate its sources and distribution channels, and prevent drug addiction among the population, especially among young people. This serves to ensure public safety in our country, protect public health, and protect future generations from various harmful diseases.
The new face of drug crime
In recent years, drug crime has significantly changed in terms of form and method, and has moved to the stage of active use of modern technologies. In the past, the illegal trade of drugs was mainly carried out through direct communication between criminals and buyers, but today digital technologies are becoming one of the main tools of the drug business.
Drug trafficking organized using Internet networks, social platforms, anonymous messengers and electronic payment systems presents new and complex tasks to law enforcement agencies. Criminals are trying to hide their activities and avoid responsibility using the possibilities of modern information technologies.
Young people are the most vulnerable group
In recent years, cases of involvement in drug crimes among young people are a cause of serious concern. Such situations are caused by factors such as insufficient legal knowledge and skills, false and misleading information spread through the Internet, unfounded ideas about easy living and quick riches, as well as in some cases, weak family control.
It is not for nothing that representatives of the drug business choose young people as their main target. Because young people actively use information technologies, spend a lot of time on social networks, and sometimes cannot fully assess the legal and social consequences of their actions. Criminal groups take advantage of this situation and try to lure them into their trap with various promises and financial benefits.
the plague of the new century
One of the problems noted by experts with serious concern today is the increasing spread of synthetic drugs. These substances are distinguished by their high effectiveness and extremely dangerous consequences for human health.
Synthetic drugs are dangerous in a number of ways compared to natural drugs. They have a high effect on the human body and can form a strong mental and physical dependence in a short period of time.
Medical observations show that even short-term or repeated use of some synthetic drugs can cause severe mental disorders, nervous system dysfunction, negative behavioral changes, and life-threatening conditions. In some cases, such substances cause disability or death.
Another dangerous aspect of the problem is that many young people do not have enough knowledge about the true nature and consequences of synthetic drugs. Distributed under various names, appearances and attractive descriptions, such substances are in some cases not even considered drugs. As a result, the severe damage they cause to the human body and psyche is realized late.
Protection of the nation's gene pool is a priority
Protection of public health and national gene pool is one of the priority tasks of state policy in our country. From this point of view, the decree of the President of November 3, 2025 "On comprehensive measures to effectively protect the population's health and the nation's gene pool from drug addiction and drug crimes" became a document of historical importance.
The decree defines modern and complex mechanisms of combating drug addiction and narco-crime, provides specific tasks to protect the population, especially young people, from the effects of drugs, prevent drug crimes committed through the Internet, strengthen preventive measures, and further improve the cooperation of state bodies.
The document pays special attention to the issues of effective fight against organized drug crimes organized through Internet networks, identification and elimination of hidden drug laboratories, putting an end to the activities of transnational drug channels, and protecting young people from the influence of criminal groups.
This clearly shows that the issue of combating drug addiction and drug crime in our country is under strict control at the level of state policy, and consistent measures are being taken to protect the health of the population and the interests of the future generation.
Behind the numbers
truth
During the first 5 months of this year, 7,262 crimes related to illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and powerful drugs were detected. 2 tons from illegal circulation
More than 328 kilograms of narcotics, psychotropic and powerful substances were confiscated. Out of this, only 2.5 million units of powerful drugs have been sold. The illegal activities of 15 drug laboratories and manual packaging shops were stopped. Also, a number of criminal groups operating through Internet networks were exposed, and thousands of citizens were prevented from falling into the trap of drug addiction.
We must not forget how many people's destinies, family peace and the future of young people are behind these numbers.
A big responsibility
The fight against evil cannot be closely connected only with the activities of law enforcement agencies. In this regard, parents, educational institutions, community gatherings, public organizations, and mass media bear a great responsibility. Educating the young generation in the spirit of a healthy lifestyle, forming a strong life position and legal consciousness in them is one of the most effective means of drug addiction prevention.
In conclusion, it can be said that every pedagogue, neighborhood activist and citizen should live with a sense of belonging to the future of society and become an active participant in the fight against drug addiction. Because the fight against this evil requires an active civil position and high responsibility not only from state bodies, but from each of us.
Uzkun ISMAILOV,
Deputy head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Lt. Col.