Large Poppy Straw Warehouse Discovered in Bishkek Linked to Drug Production
On April 26, 2024, more than 4 tons of poppy straw were discovered in a warehouse in Bishkek, as reported by the press service of the State Committee for National Security of the Kyrgyz Republic (SCNS).
The SCNS, in collaboration with the customs department, conducted an operation to uncover a transnational group involved in money laundering through a drug smuggling network from various countries to Kyrgyzstan, with subsequent transport to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and China.
During a search of the warehouse, SCNS officers found large bags containing over 4 tons of poppy straw, which was determined to contain approximately 350 kilograms of psychotropic substances including codeine and morphine.
The individuals involved in this illegal activity are facing charges under two articles of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic: “Smuggling of items subject to special rules of movement across the customs border of the Kyrgyz Republic” and “Illegal manufacture of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their analogues with the purpose of sale.”
Two suspects have been detained and are currently held in the SCNS detention center pending further investigation. The authorities are continuing to work towards dismantling this smuggling network and preventing further illegal activities in the region.
