DUSHANBE, 08.07.2025 (NIAT Khovar) – In a special operation conducted by the Regional Department of the State Committee for National Security in Sughd Province, three individuals were detained in the city of Panjakent on suspicion of involvement in drug trafficking.

The detainees – Abduhalim Bahromovich Rustamov (b. 1975), previously convicted under Article 249, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Tajikistan; Murodkul Orifovich Olimov (b. 1971), previously convicted under Article 200; and Pirumkul Umarkulovich Usmonov (b. 1978) – are all residents of Farob Jamoat, Panjakent. During the operation, law enforcement authorities confiscated 24 plastic packages containing narcotics in especially large quantities.

According to investigations, Abduhalim Rustamov organized a transnational drug trafficking network with the support of his fellow villagers Olimov and Usmonov. The narcotics were hidden inside the private residence of Pirumkul Usmonov. The suspects had planned to transport the drugs under the cover of night across the state border into a neighboring country.

An analysis conducted by the Forensic-Criminalistics Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan in Sughd Province confirmed that the seized substances included 13 kg of heroin, 7 kg of opium, and 4 kg of hashish – totaling 24 kilograms.

A criminal case was opened against the detainees under Articles 200, Part 4 and 289, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Tajikistan. Following a preliminary investigation, the case was referred to the judicial authorities.

As a result, the Panjakent City Court sentenced Abduhalim Rustamov and Murodkul Olimov to 16 years of imprisonment each, while Pirumkul Usmonov received a 15-year sentence. It is noteworthy that Olimov had previously been convicted and imprisoned four times, while Rustamov had also served a prison term for similar offenses. Despite their repeated incarcerations, they failed to reform and continued their criminal activities.

Border protection is a patriotic duty and responsibility not only of the national security and law enforcement agencies but also of every vigilant and conscientious citizen of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Combating drug trafficking remains one of the key priorities of Tajikistan’s security and law enforcement agencies. Their efforts focus on identifying and dismantling transnational drug networks, apprehending their members, and seizing large quantities of illicit drugs. The fight against narcotics is essential to preserving the health of the nation’s gene pool, safeguarding cultural identity, and protecting national interests. Drug traffickers cause widespread addiction among youth, weaken the economy, and undermine the country’s international reputation.

This deadly and illicit activity stands in stark contradiction to reason and the rule of law. To eradicate this plague of the century, all citizens of Tajikistan must unite in a relentless fight against every drug trafficker. Raising awareness and promoting legal and civic responsibility among youth are critical to eliminating drug abuse in society.

Public Relations Center
of the State Committee for National Security of the Republic of Tajikistan