Drug trafficking trends shift toward synthetic substances in Central and West Asia

Drug trafficking trends and seizures across Central and West Asia indicate a shift toward synthetic substances. In Uzbekistan, customs officials at the Ayrtom border crossing intercepted a shipment of over 52 kilograms of narcotics smuggled from Afghanistan. The seizure, discovered during an inspection of a truck, included approximately 42 kilograms of hashish and 10 kilograms of opium, which had been concealed using multiple layers of plastic and foil to evade scanning equipment.

In Iran, authorities in Golestan province reported a 138 percent increase in the seizure of hashish and cannabis. Officials noted that while traditional poppy-based drugs remain a concern due to the proximity to Afghanistan, there is a growing trend toward industrial drugs and synthetic substances.

Concurrently, a UNODC assessment highlights a changing consumption pattern within Afghanistan. While traditional drugs like cannabis and opium remain prevalent, there is a rising use of synthetic substances and the misuse of medical drugs. A specific phenomenon known as ‘Tablet K’ has emerged among youth; laboratory testing of these tablets revealed inconsistent compositions, including methamphetamine, MDMA, and combinations of stimulants and opioids.