Tengrinews.kz – A Kazakhstani citizen was extradited from Russia to face criminal charges for involvement in an organized crime group, large-scale drug trafficking, and smuggling.
According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, the suspect joined a criminal network in 2003 that trafficked heroin and opium from Uzbekistan through Kazakhstan to Russia.
"The suspect was responsible for transporting, storing, and handing over drugs to other members for distribution. During special operations in 2003 in Kyzylorda and Karaganda regions, 35 kg of heroin and 28 kg of opium were seized," the press service reported.
While some group members were convicted, the suspect fled and was placed on an international wanted list.
"After 20 years in hiding, he was arrested in December last year in Russia’s Samara region and extradited to Kazakhstan upon request. He is currently in a pre-trial detention center," the agency added.
He now faces 10 to 15 years in prison with property confiscation.