DUSHANBE , January 16, Asia-Plus -- In 2005, more than 12,000 crimes were reported in Tajikistan , which is 9 percent more than during 2004, Tajik chief prosecutor Bobojon Bobokhonov announced at a news conference in Dushanbe on January 16. 

According to him, the highest crime rate last year was reported in Rasht Valley (eastern Tajikistan ).  “Compared to 2004 the crime rate increased in Rasht District by 80.6 percent, in Jirgatol by 70.6 percent ad in Tojikobod by 50 percent,” Bobokhonov said.  

Tajik chief prosecutor noted that the number of crimes using weapons committed in the republic during the reported period decreased by 59 percent.  The number of reported killings decreased by 11 percent. 

Prosecutor-General told journalists that 620 crimes involving the manufacture, acquisition, storage, transportation, and use of drugs were reported in Tajikistan last year.  He noted that the rate of detection of such crimes had decreased but an amount of seized drugs had increased.  “Last year, 23 foreign citizens were detained for the drug-trafficking crimes, including one citizen of the Russian Federation , four citizens of Uzbekistan , two citizens of Kyrgyzstan and 16 citizens of Afghanistan ,” Mr. Bobokhonov said. 

Compared to 2004 there was a certain increase in number reported crimes related to corruption, according to Tajik chief prosecutor.  “Last year, 162 crimes related to corruption were reported in Tajikistan , which is 44 cases more compared to 2004 (118 cases),” Mr. Bobokhonov said, adding that a number of crimes committed by minors also increased last year. 

Compared to 2004 there was a 73 percent reduction of a number of registered criminal groupings in the republic.  “In 2005, 37 organized criminal rings were registered in Tajikistan against 73 registered in 2004,” Tajik chief prosecutor said.