Uzbek security authorities have arrested an Afghan citizen on suspicion of attempting to sell opium at the Termez International Trade Center in Surxondaryo Region. Uzbekistan’s State Security Service said a criminal case has been opened against the suspect and that investigations are underway to identify any possible accomplices.
According to the agency, the suspect was identified and arrested while attempting to sell 506 grams of opium. Uzbek authorities said the Afghan citizen intended to sell the shipment for $2,500. The operation was carried out in cooperation with the State Security Service, the customs authorities, and the Surxondaryo regional police.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the Afghan citizen, born in 2003, had concealed the drugs inside his body in five packages. According to Uzbek authorities, the purpose was to smuggle the shipment across the border while concealing it from customs and border inspection officials.
The suspect reportedly traveled to a designated meeting point at the Termez International Trade Center after entering Uzbekistan to hand over the drugs. Security officers arrested him during an operation at the site and seized the opium shipment in his possession.
The Termez International Trade Center is a special economic and commercial zone in Uzbekistan’s Surxondaryo Region, located near the Afghan border and the Hairatan border crossing. The center was officially inaugurated in September 2024 with the aim of facilitating cross-border trade between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.
The center was established to provide favorable conditions for traders from both countries, facilitate cross-border commerce, and expand economic ties between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. Given its location near the border, commercial activities and movement through the center are monitored by the relevant authorities.
The incident comes as Uzbek security forces have previously seized several drug shipments in Surxondaryo Region, which borders Afghanistan. Uzbek authorities said investigations into the latest case are continuing, including efforts to determine whether other individuals were involved in transporting or selling the shipment.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
