Almaty pharmacist detained over illegal supply of potent drugs to Aktobe region

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Police in Kazakhstan's Aktobe region have detained an organized criminal group suspected of illegally selling potent drugs, including a pharmacist from Almaty. The group is accused of supplying large batches of potent substances to the region, with more than 1,000 drug packages seized. The Interior Ministry said all suspected members, including the organizer, operator, packers, and couriers, were arrested.
Key Facts
- Police detained an organized criminal group in Aktobe region suspected of illegally selling potent drugs, including a pharmacist from Almaty.
- More than 1,000 packages of potent drugs were seized from illegal circulation.
- The group included an organizer, an operator, packers, and individuals who placed drug stashes.
- Since January 1, 2026, Kazakhstan has criminal liability for illegal trafficking of potent substances, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
The Criminal Group
The group operated in Aktobe region and was involved in the illegal sale of potent substances. A pharmacist from one of Almaty's pharmacies used her legal work to organize the supply of large batches of potent substances to Aktobe region. The group consisted of an organizer, an operator, packers, and individuals who placed drug stashes. All suspected members of the group were detained.
Seizure and Legal Consequences
More than 1,000 packages of potent drugs were seized from illegal circulation. Since January 1, 2026, Kazakhstan has criminal liability for illegal trafficking of potent substances. The penalty for illegal trafficking of potent substances is imprisonment for up to 15 years. Deputy head of the Interior Ministry's drug crime counteraction committee, Daniyar Aubakirov, reminded about the criminal liability.