Imprisonment of up to 15 years: Ministry of Internal Affairs addressed pharmacists

Tengrinews.kz – The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan has reminded pharmacy and pharmaceutical company executives of the legal responsibility for selling "Tramadol" without a prescription, citing Polisia.kz.

According to the ministry, in 2023, "Tramadol" was classified as a narcotic substance to strengthen control over its distribution. Before this regulation, around 8,000 pharmacies across the country were allowed to sell it. Now, its sale is only permitted with a doctor's prescription and in licensed pharmacies.

Ongoing operational and investigative measures are being carried out to identify those involved in unauthorized sales. Since the beginning of the year, three individuals have been detained for illegal possession of "Tramadol," with more than 2,500 tablets seized.

"In this regard, the Ministry of Internal Affairs warns pharmacy and pharmaceutical company executives about the strict compliance required with current legislation. The unauthorized sale of 'Tramadol' by medical professionals and commercial pharmacy pharmacists will be prosecuted under Article 297, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan, which carries a penalty of 10 to 15 years of imprisonment," stated Dulat Mukhametrahimov, head of the Anti-Drug Crime Committee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.