Tengrinews.kz – The Committee for Combating Drug Crimes of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan has expressed concern over the growing number of minors involved in drug trafficking. Since the beginning of the year, 23 teenagers have been detained across the country on suspicion of possessing and distributing illegal substances, according to Polisia.kz.
Among those detained are college students and schoolchildren from grades 9 to 11. The Ministry of Internal Affairs emphasized that the situation requires special attention from parents and legal guardians.
“Ignorance of the law does not exempt from criminal liability. Criminal responsibility for drug-related offenses begins at age 16. According to Articles 296 and 297 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, strict criminal penalties—up to imprisonment—are imposed for possession and distribution of narcotics,” the ministry reminded.
In addition, Article 299-1 of the Criminal Code establishes criminal liability for the promotion and advertisement of narcotic substances, including publications on the internet and social media.
Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Combating Drug Crimes Kuandyk Alzhanov addressed parents with a call for vigilance:
“Dear parents and legal guardians of minors! We urge you to pay close attention to your children’s social circles and how they spend their free time. It’s important to identify risks early and prevent teens from becoming involved in illegal activities that could destroy their future.”