Kazakhstan dismantles major drug networks in sweeping crackdown

From underground labs to online couriers, Kazakhstan’s police strike hard against drug cartels. Over 165,000 lethal doses were kept off the streets—here’s how.

, and Administrator

2025 November 23 . 1:17 AM

1 min read

In this image I can see many drugs which are placed on the floor.

Kazakhstan dismantles major drug networks in sweeping crackdown

Kazakhstan’s Interior Ministry has detained 14 people in the last ten days as part of a major crackdown on drug offences. The operation targeted entire networks, from street dealers to large-scale producers, and led to the seizure of over 55 kg of synthetic drugs.

One of the largest busts took place in Karaganda, where police dismantled an underground drug lab. Two local residents were arrested, and officers confiscated more than 52 kg of alpha-PVP along with nearly a ton of precursor chemicals.

In East Kazakhstan Province, a young man was caught with over 1 kg of mephedrone and alpha-PVP, intended for widespread distribution. Meanwhile, in Shymkent, a 38-year-old man was detained for working as a courier and packager in an online drug operation, with around 2 kg of alpha-PVP seized.

The total haul of over 55 kg of synthetic drugs prevented more than 165,000 individual doses from reaching the illegal market. Askar Kozhakhmetov, head of the Anti-Narcotics Commission under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, has overseen the ongoing efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks.

The Interior Ministry’s Anti-Narcotics Committee continues its push against drug-related crime. Authorities have emphasised their commitment to protecting the country’s youth and securing a safer future for Kazakhstan.