Drug offenders to face harsher sentences. Up to 20 years in prison

Uzbekistan has introduced stricter rules for punishing drug offenders. Individuals convicted of drug-related crimes will no longer be eligible for early release or sentence reduction. This is established in Presidential Decree No. PF–207 of November 3, 2025, ’’On comprehensive measures to effectively protect public health and the national gene pool from narcotics and drug crimes.’’

Previously, under Articles 73 and 74 of the Criminal Code, convicts could be released early or have their sentences reduced. However, these provisions will no longer apply to drug offenders.

The decree also introduces harsher penalties for crimes involving minors. Any drug offense committed against a minor, or involving a minor, will now be considered an aggravating circumstance. Individuals who involve minors in consuming strong narcotics will face direct criminal liability. Furthermore, penalties for distributing narcotics in educational institutions, student dormitories, children’s camps, or adjoining areas will be doubled, and using these locations to involve minors in drug use will carry criminal liability.

The law now also imposes criminal liability for sponsoring illegal drug trafficking, establishing drug criminal organizations, or operating illegal drug laboratories. Those convicted of such offenses can face up to 20 years in prison.

Uzbekistan will impose administrative and criminal liability for illegal circulation and misuse of chemical precursors. To prevent precursors used in industry and medicine from being diverted into illegal drug production, the government has introduced several measures:

• The list of precursors will be expanded based on international best practices, with a simplified mechanism for regular updates.
• A strict electronic control system will be established to monitor all stages of precursor handling—from production or importation, through transit, use in manufacturing, sale, storage, and transfer.

The Agency for the Control of Narcotics and Firearms will carry out systematic monitoring of precursor circulation and submit reports on any illegal activity to law enforcement authorities.

Additionally, a hackathon for young innovators will be organized to develop programs that identify and block online drug sales and other narcotics-related crimes using artificial intelligence. The most effective solutions will be implemented in practice.