Kazakhstan's State Revenue Committee (SRC) has commented on a publication by the Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation regarding drones allegedly seized by Russian customs authorities after being imported from Kazakhstan.
According to the SRC press service, this information is presented inaccurately. In reality, the incident refers to events on 13 June, when officers of the Border Service of Kazakhstan's National Security Committee detained unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at the Zhaisan vehicle checkpoint while attempting to import them from Russia into Kazakhstan without the necessary documents.
The department noted that the cargo was handed over to the state revenue authorities for inspection. The authorised body confirmed that the drones are classified as goods requiring a permit for import.
The materials were forwarded to court, which found the cargo owner guilty and imposed a fine. After the procedures were completed, the UAVs were returned to the owner on the condition that they be exported back to Russia.
"On 15 September 2025, the said goods were expelled to the Russian Federation, of which the neighbouring side was duly notified in accordance with the current bilateral procedure," the statement reads.
For context, the Russian Federal Customs Service had earlier reported the alleged seizure of 34 UAVs and one quadcopter during an inspection of a vehicle travelling from Kazakhstan to Bashkortostan.
It was reported that the consignment included two fixed-wing drones capable of carrying up to 5 kg of cargo, one reconnaissance UAV, and kits for assembling 32 small-sized devices, the design of which allows for cargo release.