Sibutramine Banned: What You Need to Know to Stay Out of Jail

In October of this year, sibutramine—a globally popular weight-loss substance—was officially included in Uzbekistan’s list of controlled substances. From that moment, its import into the country was prohibited, and starting January 1, 2025, the sale of such products will only be allowed through licensed pharmacies authorized to sell narcotic and psychotropic substances.

This announcement comes amidst an increase in cases of weight-loss products being brought into the country from overseas trips. More and more Uzbeks are attempting to smuggle various types of coffee, tea, and other products containing sibutramine across the border.

For example, a passenger on the «Istanbul–Tashkent» flight was recently detained at Tashkent Airport after attempting to carry 49 packets of «Zerofit» coffee through the «green corridor.» In another case, a search of a suspect’s home revealed 5,760 packets of foreign-made «Keta» coffee, which was later found to contain sibutramine.

Interestingly, under Uzbek law, possessing 0.5 grams of sibutramine is already considered a significant amount, qualifying as a criminal offense. This poses a serious risk to individuals bringing these products for personal use, often unaware of the potential legal consequences.

Is it worth risking your freedom for the questionable benefits of weight loss? Such products have long been the subject of controversy worldwide due to their side effects, and using sibutramine often leads not to a slimmer figure but to serious health problems.

Before making such choices, consider the risks and remember that your health and freedom are far more valuable than any temporary results.