Kazakhstan border service seizes over 32 kg of drugs at Almaty airport in August

September 1, 2026 at 05:10 PM1 min

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Kazakhstan's Border Service of the National Security Committee (KNB) intercepted three attempts to smuggle narcotics in especially large quantities through Almaty airport in August. The drugs, totaling over 32 kg, were hidden in cosmetic containers in the luggage of foreign passengers arriving from Southeast Asia. Case materials have been handed over to competent authorities for procedural decisions.

Key Facts

Border Service officers intercepted three drug smuggling attempts at Almaty airport in August 2026.
The seized substances included marijuana, cannabis resin, and hashish oil, with a total weight exceeding 32 kg.
The drugs were concealed in containers disguised as cosmetic products in the luggage of foreign citizens arriving from Southeast Asia.
Case materials have been transferred to competent authorities for procedural decisions.

Seizure Details

In August 2026, Border Service officers at Almaty airport stopped three attempts to bring narcotics in especially large quantities into Kazakhstan. The drugs were found during baggage checks of foreign passengers arriving on flights from Southeast Asian countries. Officers discovered marijuana, cannabis resin, and hashish oil hidden in containers made to look like cosmetic products. According to expert examination, the total weight of the seized narcotics exceeded 32 kg.

Investigation and Next Steps

The Border Service of the National Security Committee (KNB) reported the seizures in a release dated September 1, 2026. Materials on all three cases have been handed over to competent authorities for procedural decisions. Earlier, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Internal Affairs reported the elimination of an international channel for recruiting people into a drug network.