Rising Drug Crimes in Uzbekistan
The Supreme Court of Uzbekistan has released a report indicating a significant increase in drug-related crimes over the past five years. In 2024 alone, 8,373 individuals were sentenced for drug-related offenses, marking a doubling of such crimes since 2019.
The rise in drug-related offenses was particularly notable under Articles 270, 271, and 273-276 of the Criminal Code. The number of individuals implicated in these crimes has been steadily increasing, from 3,941 in 2020 to 6,204 in 2023. However, the most substantial surge was seen in 2024, with 8,373 individuals involved, reflecting a 35% increase compared to the previous year.
Tashkent city consistently reported the highest number of drug-related crimes, with 1,999 individuals implicated in 2024. Fergana and Tashkent regions also saw relatively high numbers of drug-related offenses last year.
Furthermore, theft ranked second in terms of growth, with 8,321 individuals sentenced for theft in 2024, showing an increase from the previous year. In total, 61,481 criminal cases were reviewed in Uzbekistan’s courts in 2024, with 77,995 individuals sentenced.
The severity of the crimes varied, with approximately 29% of individuals sentenced for serious crimes and 5% convicted of extremely serious offenses. The report highlights the concerning trend of rising drug-related crimes in Uzbekistan and emphasizes the need for continued efforts to combat such offenses.
