'Millions in mephedrone': Foreign nationals detained in Astana drug bust

Tengrinews.kz - Police in Astana have dismantled a transnational drug trafficking group and seized more than 100 kilograms of mephedrone, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA).

Footage of the dramatic arrest of foreign nationals suspected of involvement in the illegal drug trade was published by Polisia.kz.

According to Daniyar Meirkhan, Deputy Chairman of the MIA’s Committee to Combat Drug Crime, a special operation was carried out to neutralize the group involved in the distribution of synthetic drugs.

“As part of the operation, officers from anti-narcotics units eliminated the activities of a transnational criminal group engaged in the illicit trafficking of synthetic drugs,” Meirkhan said.

Over 100 kilograms of mephedrone were confiscated from the foreign suspects. Authorities estimate the street value of the seized drugs at around $6 million, equivalent to approximately 300,000 individual doses.

“All suspects have been detained and placed in a temporary detention facility. Further investigative work is ongoing,” Meirkhan added.

Earlier, the National Security Committee (NSC), in cooperation with the competent authorities of Russia and Kyrgyzstan, conducted two special operations to dismantle international drug trafficking channels.