In the Republic of Karakalpakstan, a smuggling attempt of synthetic drugs was prevented at the "Dawud-Ota" border customs post, according to the State Customs Committee's press service.

Specifically, during the inspection of a Lada Largus vehicle coming from Kazakhstan, customs officers were drawn to two sound amplifiers in the cargo area. Inside the speakers, they found 36 polyethylene packages containing a powdery substance.

According to the conclusion of the Central Customs Laboratory, the packages contained a white, powdery substance with a strong odor – mephedrone, a synthetic drug listed among the prohibited narcotics in Uzbekistan. The total weight of the seized drugs amounted to 18 kg and 97 grams.

A criminal case has been initiated based on this incident.