Security tightened in Uzbekistan before Independence Day
TASHKENT. Aug 22 (Interfax) - Security is being tightened in Uzbekistan before the Independence Day, which the country will celebrate on September 1, Lieutenant-Colonel Bakhtiyar Egamberdiyev, deputy head of the Tashkent Main Interior Affairs Department, told reporters in Tashkent on Wednesday.
"A large-scale anti-terrorist raid has been organized. It has helped to determine 16 instances of trade in narcotic substances," Egamberdiyev said.
The official also said the law enforcement agencies are conducting raids to ensure the observance of the passport regime, and violators are being punished.
The traffic-patrol service has also been put on high alert to prevent forearms, explosives, and narcotic substances from being brought into the city, a law enforcement official said.
"The measures have sharply reduced the number of crimes committed by minors and people with prior convictions," Egamberdiyev said.