Authorities in Dushanbe have arrested three men on suspicion of drug trafficking, seizing a significant haul of opium in the process, according to a statement from the Dushanbe Police Directorate.

The suspects have been identified as 50-year-old Qutbiddin Qurbonov from Tursunzoda, 55-year-old Olim Boboev from Panjakent, and 58-year-old Jumakhon Jourakhonov, a resident of Dushanbe.

Police reports indicate that the suspects were found in possession of 36 kilograms of opium during a search operation.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the narcotics were obtained from another trafficking group and were intended for transport to the Sughd province for further distribution.

Criminal proceedings have been instituted  under Article 200 of the Penal Code of the Republic of Tajikistan, which pertains to the illegal trafficking of narcotic substances. The suspects are currently in pre-trial detention as the investigation continues.

This arrest follows a similar operation earlier in Dushanbe, where three residents of the Yovon district were also apprehended on drug trafficking charges.

The suspects — Rajabmurod Nazarov, Fakhriddin Kholmirzoyev, and Asliddin Navotov — were detained during a controlled purchase conducted by officers from the Department for the Prevention of Juvenile and Youth Crime.

Authorities confiscated 8 kilograms of opiate-based narcotics from the group. Criminal proceedings have been initiated under Article 200 (3) of Tajikistan’s Penal Code, which deals with large-scale illegal drug trafficking.

Law enforcement continues to intensify efforts to curb narcotics distribution across the country.