Amphetamines have become the most widely used drug among Tajikistan’s youth, Zafar Samad, Director of the Drug Control Agency (DCA) under the President of Tajikistan, told reporters in Dushanbe on February 3.  

He stated that the majority of drugs entering Tajikistan originate from Afghanistan.  Despite an overall decrease in total drug seizures, the amount of psychotropic substances seized nearly doubled, and synthetic drug seizures tripled in 2024, Tajik drug control chief noted.

According to him, 4,014 drug addicts were officially registered in the country as of December 31,2024 (down by 146 people or 3.5% from 2023).

Among them there were 110 women and 5 minors (compared to 1 minor in 2023).

Samad further said that there were 40.1 drug addicts per 100,000 people in Tajikistan—a lower rate than in other countries of the Central Asian region.

Tajik drug control kingpin emphasized that Tajikistan’s National Drug Control Strategy (2021-2030) has contributed to reducing drug addiction, proving the effectiveness of government programs.

Decline in overall drug seizures, but increase in synthetic drug cases

In 2024, Tajik law enforcement authorities reportedly seized 4.3 tons of narcotics—17% (or 901.5 kg) less than in 2023.

DCA alone confiscated 504.4 kg of narcotic drugs, a 2.0-percent increase compared to 2023.

Psychotropic substance seizures reportedly increased by 41 kg, totaling 110 kg.

Last year, the country’s law enforcement seized 17,870 synthetic drug tablets—13,670 more than in 2023.

Increase in drug-related crimes

DCA director noted that 839 drug-related crimes were registered in Tajikistan last year (3.8% of total crimes), which is 140 more drug crimes than in 2023 (+20%).

Investigators reportedly launched 171 criminal cases, with 85 cases involving 138 individuals moved to a court.

Samad concluded that drug trafficking remains a pressing issue in Tajikistan and vowed continued efforts to combat drug crime and addiction prevention.

Following the February 3 press conference, over 255 kg of narcotics were incinerated at DCA’s facilities in Dushanbe.

Amphetamine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that is used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and obesity; it is also used to treat binge eating disorder in the form of its inactive prodrug lisdexamfetamine. Amphetamine was discovered as a chemical in 1887 by Lazar Edeleanu , and then as a drug in the late 1920s.

Amphetamines are a class of drugs that belong to the larger category of stimulants, substances known for their ability to increase alertness and energy levels. Amphetamines are highly addictive and can have a serious impact on a person's life and health.  Amphetamine misuse can have serious consequences on an individual’s physical and mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.