Drug-related crimes increased sharply in Uzbekistan

In 2024, a significant rise in drug-related offenses was reported under Articles 270, 271, and 273-276 of the Criminal Code. 

The number of individuals involved in such crimes has steadily increased over the years, from 3,941 in 2020 to 4,182 in 2021, 5,825 in 2022, and 6,204 in 2023. The most notable surge occurred last year, with 2,169 more individuals implicated, reflecting a 35% increase.

Regionally, Tashkent city consistently reports the highest number of drug-related crimes. Specifically, in 2022, 1,218 individuals were involved, in 2023, 1,309 individuals, and in 2024, the number rose to 1,999. Additionally, last year, Fergana (1,410 individuals) and Tashkent (1,219 individuals) regions also saw relatively high numbers of drug-related offenses.

Overall, drug-related crimes saw a notable increase compared to other types of offenses. Theft, however, ranked second in terms of growth, with 7,319 individuals sentenced for theft in 2023 and 8,321 in 2024.

According to the report, a total of 61,481 criminal cases were reviewed in Uzbekistan's courts in 2024, the highest number in the past five years, with 77,995 individuals sentenced. 

The social severity of the crimes they committed varied: approximately 22,951 individuals (29%) were sentenced for serious crimes, while 4,144 individuals (5%) were convicted of extremely serious offenses.