Ministry of Internal Affairs: two transnational drug groups dismantled

Tengrinews.kz – Nearly 4,000 drug-related offenses have been curbed in Kazakhstan, of which about 1,800 were classified as serious and especially serious crimes. This was reported by Kuandyk Alzhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Interior Ministry’s Committee for Combating Drug Crimes, citing Polisia.kz.

According to him, operational work has been intensified across the country: criminal schemes were uncovered, ranging from street-level stashers to drug business organizers. A total of 21 criminal cases have been initiated for creating and leading organized criminal groups (OCGs). Two transnational criminal networks have been dismantled, and 11 leaders along with 43 active members were arrested.

More than 6 tons of drugs were seized from illegal circulation, including 570 kilograms of synthetic substances — nearly double the amount compared to the same period last year. The operations also shut down 103 drug laboratories, uncovered 218 cases of cultivation of drug-containing plants, and 63 instances of smuggling.

The agency emphasized that thanks to new digital tools, the number of blocked drug websites tripled, exceeding 17,000. Additionally, 24,000 bank cards with suspicious activity were blocked, which had processed 2.4 billion tenge.

Special attention is being paid to prevention. Over the past six months, more than 11,000 anti-drug events were held, reaching around one million teenagers and young people.

"The fight against drug crimes will continue in an intensified manner — in the interest of public safety and protecting the future generation," stated Kuandyk Alzhanov.