Kazakh police seize over 10 kg alpha-PVP in Ekibastuz garage lab, detain two brothers

August 20, 2026 at 05:00 AM1 min

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Kazakh police in Ekibastuz seize more than 10 kilograms of the psychotropic substance alpha-PVP from a garage drug laboratory and detain two local brothers. Officers also seize 860 liters of chemical liquids and a 300-liter reactor. A handler coordinates the production through the Signal messenger and leaves precursor caches, the Interior Ministry says.

Key Facts

The suspects are local residents and have been placed in a temporary detention facility in Ekibastuz.
A 300-liter reactor, laboratory glassware, scales, and personal protective equipment were seized along with the drugs.
A handler coordinated the full production cycle through Signal messenger and left precursor caches for the brothers.
A pre-trial investigation has been opened under Article 297-1 of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan.
The suspects face up to life imprisonment for organizing drug production.

The Garage Laboratory

The brothers equipped a garage in the yard of a residential building in Ekibastuz to synthesise prohibited substances. Police seized more than 10 kilograms of alpha-PVP and 860 liters of chemical liquids during the search. The equipment included a 300-liter reactor, laboratory glassware, scales, and personal protective equipment.

Signal Coordinator

Investigators established that a handler coordinated the brothers' actions through the Signal messenger. The handler monitored the entire production cycle and left caches of precursors for the suspects. Police are working to identify precursor supply channels and other people involved in the drug business.

Legal Proceedings

A pre-trial investigation has been opened under Article 297-1 of the Criminal Code on the organization of drug production. The suspects have been placed in a temporary detention facility. Organizing drug production can carry a penalty of up to life imprisonment in Kazakhstan.