Other Tourist Scams in Bishkek

Drug Set-Up and Fake Police Extortion Near Ala-Too Square

Tourists near Ala-Too Square or in bars along Manas Avenue are approached by overly friendly locals who quickly move to offering locally sourced cannabis or other drugs. Once the tourist accepts or touches the product, accomplices posing as plainclothes police appear and demand an on-the-spot cash fine to avoid arrest. Kyrgyzstan has strict narcotics laws and the threat of genuine prosecution makes victims more likely to pay without question.