Kazakh police detain pharmacy-led drug trafficking group in Aktobe region

September 2, 2026 at 09:05 AM1 min

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Kazakhstan's Interior Ministry has dismantled an organized criminal group that illegally distributed potent pharmaceuticals in Aktobe region. Police arrested all members, including a pharmacist from Almaty who organized large shipments, and seized more than 1,000 medicinal products. The operation follows the introduction of criminal liability for trafficking potent substances on January 1, 2026.

Key Facts

Criminal liability for illegal trafficking of potent substances took effect in Kazakhstan on January 1, 2026.
Police seized more than 1,000 medicinal products from the criminal group in Aktobe region.
A pharmacist at an Almaty pharmacy used her legal position to organize deliveries of large batches of potent substances to Aktobe region.
The Interior Ministry warns that illegal trafficking of potent substances carries a prison sentence of up to 15 years.

Criminal Group Dismantled

The Interior Ministry's counter-narcotics committee stopped an organized criminal group that was illegally selling potent substances in Aktobe region. During operational and investigative measures, authorities established that a pharmacist from an Almaty pharmacy used her legal activity to organize the supply of large batches of potent substances to Aktobe region. All members of the criminal group were detained, including the organizer, operator, packers, and individuals who placed the substances in hiding spots. More than 1,000 medicinal products were seized from illegal circulation.

Legal Framework

Criminal liability for illegal trafficking of potent substances was introduced in Kazakhstan on January 1, 2026. The Interior Ministry reminds that illegal trafficking of potent substances entails criminal liability in the form of imprisonment for up to 15 years.