(30 January 2026 | Source: press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan)
Units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan (MVD) have identified and stopped cases of illegal transport and storage of nitrous oxide. A storage facility containing 416 cylinders was found in a nightclub in Shymkent, some of which were filled with the banned substance. An expert examination has been ordered.
Kazakhstan is tightening control over the circulation of potent substances used outside of medical purposes. The police are recording cases of the distribution of nitrous oxide, known as "laughing gas", primarily in entertainment venues. The MVD reminds that such actions now fall under criminal liability.
WHAT WAS FOUND IN SHYMKENT
According to the MVD, the sale of so-called "balloons" was organised on a permanent basis in one of the nightclubs in Shymkent.
During operational activities, officers identified the storage location for the cylinders. 416 metal containers were found in the warehouse, half of which were filled with the banned compound.
An expert examination has been ordered for the seized substances. Other details of the case have not been disclosed in the materials.
WHY NITROUS OXIDE HAS BEEN BANNED
The department reported that, since the beginning of the year, Kazakhstan has enforced criminal penalties for illegal acts related to the circulation of potent substances, including the circulation of nitrous oxide.
This concerns the non-medical use of the gas, which was previously distributed in entertainment venues. The MVD emphasises that such use is dangerous and has already led to fatalities.
WHAT ARE THE STIPULATED PENALTIES
Legislation provides for up to 15 years' imprisonment for the illegal circulation of potent substances.
The ministry stated that targeted operations to identify and suppress such incidents will continue.