With the development of digital technologies, where purchases can be made in just a few clicks, drug trafficking has also undergone significant changes. Modern drug networks operate without the need for personal meetings, making them almost invisible on the Internet. Currently, the market is flooded with synthetic drugs, which are more accessible and destructive.
Unfortunately, behind such "modernization" lie tragic fates: a growing number of teenagers using drugs, an increase in women with addictions, the spread of pharmaceutical drug abuse, and thousands of people behind bars.
As of 2025, Kyrgyzstan has recorded record seizures of synthetic drugs - up to 28 kilograms, and more than a thousand people are serving sentences for related crimes.
We spoke with Police Lieutenant Colonel Umida Ismatova, who confronts this threat daily, as well as with two individuals on opposite sides of addiction: one trying to escape and the other just beginning their journey in this dangerous world.
Love on "salts"
Rustam (name changed) faced a classic story: he met an attractive girl who offered him "something cooler" than alcohol. Now they use "salts" together and are looking for a new dose. On the condition of anonymity, the young man shared the scheme of his interaction with drugs.He claims to be in love and wants to help the girl, but admits that he enjoys "flying" with her. According to him, about 5,000 soms are spent on drugs each week, which amounts to up to 20,000 a month. He has the financial means, as his job allows it.
According to his account, the process of buying drugs is simple: you find the right channel on Telegram, transfer the money, and receive the geolocation of the "drop." The dealer sends a photo of the landmark — a stone, a pipe, or a tree. There are specific "instructions": it’s better to dig with an object, and in case of a meeting with the police, say that you are looking for your keys. If you don’t find the "drop," the money is not returned.
The main thing is not to get caught by the police, as possession of drugs carries criminal liability. According to him, no one warns about addiction and withdrawal.
In chats, similar users exchange "stories of finding treasures" — it resembles a game, but with real and often tragic consequences.
Rustam considers himself a "beginner," despite the fact that his girlfriend has been addicted for a long time. They do not think about treatment. "You can always stop," he says...
Seven sentences and one addiction
Alexey, who is 53 years old, lives on the street or, in winter, near heating pipes. He receives methadone at a narcological center — for free, to maintain his condition. The drug is issued in tablets or liquid form, but under strict rules.Methadone is a synthetic remedy for those who cannot cope with addiction. However, some, after taking it, additionally use diphenhydramine, injecting it into the veins of their arms and legs. The consequences are horrific: limbs begin to rot, and often it leads to amputations. But even this does not stop people. Alexey has seen this happen more than once, but he himself, as he says, has not reached that point.
The first time he used drugs, he remembers vaguely. After an accident, he was tormented by severe headaches, and an acquaintance offered him "medicine" — opium.
At first, he refused, but the pain overcame him. Thus began his addiction. "Yes, it eased, but then it returned even stronger," he recalls.
According to the man, most often people are "hooked" by acquaintances who gain their trust and offer relief. These are the distributors. Alexey has both quit and started again. He has served seven sentences in prison, mainly for possession. Previously, they produced drugs themselves, but with modern synthetics, it is much harder to cope.
When he tried to quit, dealers would not let him go — they offered "discounts," lent him money, just to keep the client. Sometimes "gifts" would be found right at his door. "It's important for them that you don't fall off," says the man. According to him, the sellers did not use drugs and tried to protect their loved ones from it.
It used to be simpler — without drops: you could go to a house and buy directly. Now the schemes have changed, but the essence remains the same. Alexey is sure that addiction often affects people with income. He worked as a mechanic, earned money, but over time everything collapsed. He cannot return home — his sister has re-registered part of the property in her name.
He avoids the word "drug addict," claiming that he has "been treated."
But he admits: he regrets and warns others — the line between "trying" and "ruining your life" is too thin. To those who have started, he advises one thing — to stop immediately.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Umida Ismatova, senior operative of the prevention and public relations department, notes that methadone mainly helps those who have used non-synthetic drugs. It has little effect on "synthetics," so methadone programs are gradually being phased out — such people are becoming fewer.
Easy money — heavy sentences
Umida Ismatova continues her work from the other side of the problem. She tries to prevent the irreparable.— How relevant is the problem of dealers in Bishkek today?
— Unfortunately, with the development of online platforms and messengers, this problem has become even more relevant. Drug dealers minimize personal contacts and use dealers who create hiding places throughout the city. However, the police regularly identify and detain those involved.
— Has it become harder to catch distributors?
— Yes, it has become more difficult to solve such crimes because all communication occurs over the internet. But the cybercrime department works around the clock. In 2025, 54 drug stores and 4 websites were shut down, 88 cases related to dealers were registered, and suspects were detained.
— Who becomes a dealer most often?
— Mainly young people aged 18 to 25: students, unemployed, people in difficult financial situations. They think it’s easy money, but they do not realize the possible consequences. Such actions fall under Article 282 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic — from 7 to 15 years of imprisonment.
— Why is youth the most involved?
— Due to the desire for "easy money" and ignorance of the law. Many mistakenly believe that couriers bear no responsibility. Moreover, young people are better at understanding technology.
— Are there older people among the dealers?
— Practically none.
For Parents' Attention
— What is the statistics on such crimes?— In 2024, 154 cases related to dealers were registered, in 2025 — 88. But this does not mean that the problem is disappearing: we close one drug shop — another appears, with the same people.
— How is prevention carried out?
— We conduct educational work in schools and with parents. If we used to work with 10th-11th grades, now we start with 7th grade. It is important to convey the seriousness of the consequences.
— What do you do about advertisements for drug stores on the streets?
— Together with students and the mayor's office, we paint over such inscriptions. This is also part of promoting a healthy lifestyle.
— What should a person do if they find a drop?
— Under no circumstances should they touch it. They should remember the location, if possible document it, and report it to the law enforcement authorities.
— What do you advise parents?
— Communicate more with your children, inquire about their surroundings and internet activity. Pay attention to the appearance of money and definitely explain the legal consequences associated with drugs. It is important to instill the understanding that there is no such thing as easy money.
