Police in the Almaty region have shut down the country's largest underground laboratory producing synthetic drugs.
According to the press service of the regional police department, the laboratory was set up on the territory of a farm in the Talgar district.
During searches, law enforcement officers discovered 100 kg of ready-made synthetic drugs and more than 8 tonnes of chemical substances used in production.
"According to preliminary estimates, police prevented the illegal sale of more than 200,000 single doses, with a market value exceeding 3 billion tenge," the statement said.
A pre-trial investigation has been launched into the incident. The identities of those involved are being established.
It is noted that for the production and distribution of drugs in Kazakhstan, the maximum penalty provides for imprisonment up to life in prison.