Uzbekistan Busts Major Telegram-Based Drug Network Linked to “Deadpool” Marketplace

Uzbek customs officials say they have dismantled a large regional narcotics ring that operated via Telegram, exposing one of Central Asia’s biggest online drug markets.

According to the customs service, the ring was centered on a darknet marketplace called «Deadpool,» active since 2017 with roughly 4,000 subscribers. In a 31 August sting in Andijan’s Khodjaobod district, officers arrested a suspect carrying 602g of alpha-PVP allegedly smuggled from Kyrgyzstan. Investigators say the detainee had worked with Deadpool since 2023 and helped distribute nearly 50kg of synthetics over two years.

A second operation on 10 September in Tashkent region’s Zangiota district netted two suspects receiving a parcel containing 492.2g of clephedrone. Authorities allege both had been active for at least six months and were responsible for over 12,500 doses of synthetic drugs.

Officials said each distributor oversaw at least 10 «zakladchiki», dead-drop couriers who hid packages in public places, including parks and near schools across multiple Tashkent districts. A criminal case has been opened; investigations continue.

The crackdown comes amid a regional push against synthetic drugs. Kazakhstan’s Interior Ministry reports 6.4 tonnes of narcotics seized in H1 2025, including 570kg of synthetics, the closure of 103 illegal labs, the blocking of 17,000+ drug websites, 474 arrests and the disruption of 63 smuggling attempts, among them 28 administrators of Telegram distribution channels.

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