RELENTLESS FIGHT AGAINST THE PLAGUE OF THE CENTURY

Currently, drug addiction has become one of the most serious social threats facing humanity. This vice, described as the plague of the century, is spreading rapidly worldwide, negatively impacting the lives of millions. Drug addiction poses a serious threat not only to human health but also to family stability, societal stability, the national economy, and, most importantly, the future of the nation.

The emergence of new types of narcotic drugs, especially synthetic drugs, in recent years, and their distribution through the internet and social networks without human intervention, has made this problem even more pressing. While criminals today are attempting to widely distribute drugs using cryptocurrencies, e-wallets, and hidden "drop" methods, it has become a vital necessity for the state to create effective legal mechanisms to counter this threat.

It is for this purpose that our President signed the Law No. O'RQ-1151 on June 11, 2026, "On introducing additions and amendments to certain legislative acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan aimed at improving responsibility for the illegal circulation of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or their analogues and potent substances."

This law is a clear manifestation of the fact that the policy of combating drug addiction in our country has entered a new stage and is an important legal document aimed at protecting public health, the nation's gene pool, and the future of the younger generation.

One of the most significant innovations of the law is the establishment of a separate chapter in the Criminal Code titled "Crimes Against Public Health and the Gene Pool." This change signifies that the state's approach to drug-related crimes has reached a completely new level. Henceforth, such offenses will be assessed not only as crimes against public safety but as a dangerous threat to the nation's health and the fate of future generations.

The law also strengthens the fight against clandestine drug laboratories, which are the main source of drug production. According to information, dozens of clandestine drug laboratories have been exposed in the country in the last few months alone. In this regard, Article 276¹ has been added to the Criminal Code, establishing a penalty of imprisonment from 5 to 20 years for organizing or facilitating the operation of an illegal drug laboratory. This allows for striking not the distributors of drugs, but the main criminal chain involved in their production.

The law also pays special attention to cases of complicity by officials in the illegal circulation of narcotic drugs. Considering that in some cases, corrupt factors create conditions for the hidden operation of drug-related crimes, Article 276³ has been introduced into the Criminal Code. According to it, using official powers to sponsor, patronize, or provide prior notification to prevent the exposure of such crimes in the illegal circulation of narcotic drugs also carries a penalty of imprisonment from 5 to 20 years.

This demonstrates the state's uncompromising policy towards any corrupt relations associated with the drug business. Brothels are also an important factor in the spread of drug addiction. This is because such places are not only environments where drugs are consumed but also dangerous points where new users are attracted and conditions are created for the commission of other types of crimes. Therefore, the law defines the organization or maintenance of a brothel for the consumption and distribution of narcotic drugs or potent substances as a separate criminal offense, with a penalty of imprisonment from 3 to 12 years imposed for such an act.

The law also emphasizes the issue of protecting youth. This is because the most severe consequences of drug addiction manifest precisely in the lives of young people. Young people under the influence of drugs are alienated from education, lose their competitiveness in the labor market, and in many cases fall into a criminal environment. Therefore, separate criminal liability has been established for involving minors in the consumption of potent substances. Furthermore, imprisonment from 5 to 10 years is stipulated for involvement in the consumption of narcotic or potent substances in educational institutions, dormitories, children's camps, and adjacent areas.

One of the most important and practically significant innovations of the law is the replacement of the term "sale" with the term "transfer" in Article 273 of the Criminal Code. Previously, there was a stricter penalty for selling drugs, and some criminals tried to exploit loopholes in the law by gifting, giving for free, exchanging, or leaving drugs in hidden places via the internet. In the new edition, any form of transferring narcotic drugs to another person will be considered a "transfer."

This eliminates opportunities for "drop" operators working through the internet and their organizers to evade punishment. Henceforth, any form of illegal transfer of narcotic drugs in large quantities will be punishable by imprisonment from 10 to 20 years. In this case, law enforcement agencies are not required to prove that the criminal received money or gained commercial benefit. The mere fact of illegally transferring a narcotic substance to another person is sufficient for criminal liability.

An important amendment has also been made to the Code of Administrative Offenses. Now, for consuming narcotic drugs, psychotropic, or potent substances in public places, administrative arrest for up to 15 days is imposed. This norm has a preventive effect against the popularization of drug addiction among youth.

Furthermore, considering the increase in cases of repeated drug offenses in recent years, the application of parole for certain particularly serious drug offenses has been restricted. This serves to ensure the inevitability of punishment and strengthen public safety.

In conclusion, Law No. O'RQ-1151 is one of the important legal reforms in the field of combating drug addiction, which has not only expanded the capabilities of law enforcement agencies but also created a solid legal basis for the safe life of every citizen. Through the full and effective implementation of this law, significant results can be achieved in protecting our youth from the scourge of drug addiction, safeguarding public health, preserving the nation's gene pool, and building a healthy and stable society.

Indeed, combating drug addiction is not only the responsibility of state bodies but also the common duty of every parent, teacher, neighborhood activist, and citizen. Only through joint efforts can we effectively combat this vice and protect future generations from its devastating impact.