Police conduct mass inspections of pharmacies in Almaty

Tengrinews.kz – Law enforcement officers in Almaty are identifying pharmacies selling narcotic and psychotropic drugs without prescriptions, KTK reports.

According to the channel, 126 such locations were found in just four days. Even when caught red-handed, pharmacists often refuse to admit they are breaking the law.

The drugs involved include morphine and Promedol, which are known to cause addiction. Most buyers seeking them without a prescription are people with substance dependence.

“Pharmacies that sell medications like Tropicamide (eye drops) without prescriptions commit administrative offenses, which carry specific fines,” explained Dauren Kobeev, senior officer of Almaty’s Department for Combating Drug Crimes.

He added that repeat violations can lead to license suspension for six months.

“Until they pay the administrative fine, they are prohibited from dispensing such medications,” he noted.

The report states that offenders may face fines of up to 1,000 MRP (monthly calculation indices).

One Almaty pharmacy, for example, has been caught six times in recent months, yet continues operating. This time, it again sold sedatives without a prescription — but the “customer” turned out to be an undercover buyer.

The pharmacist was required to provide a written explanation, and the case was sent to the Pharmaceutical Control Committee, which will decide the pharmacy’s fate.

Earlier, Kazakhstan conducted a nationwide operation called “Darmek”, aimed at controlling the legal circulation of narcotics, psychotropic substances, precursors, and toxic medications. Numerous violations were discovered in both the medical and industrial sectors.