The special prosecutors of Almaty have completed the pre-trial investigation into a case of drug smuggling on an especially large scale. A group of individuals organised the supply of marijuana and cannabis extract from the United States of America (USA) to Kazakhstan via international postal items.
According to the press service of the department, a convicted prisoner serving his sentence organised a channel for receiving parcels from the USA. The scheme involved curators, patrons, money mules, drug couriers and packers.
During operational measures at the Zhetysu customs post, 25 international parcels containing marijuana and cannabis extract with a total weight of 43 kilograms were seized.
“A series of investigative and operational-search measures, as well as the results of forensic examinations, confirmed the illegal activities of the suspects,” the statement said.
In total, 20 suspects were detained, including two officers of the national security agencies and three officers of the Criminal Executive System of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. According to the investigation, they provided patronage to the criminal group.
The suspects have been charged under articles related to smuggling, drug trafficking, and official misconduct.
It is reported that the suspects legalised income from illegal activities — they purchased property, land plots and cars. With court approval, 5 apartments, 3 buildings, 10 land plots and 44 vehicles were seized.
The criminal case has been sent to the Specialised Inter-District Criminal Court of Almaty for consideration on its merits.
It is worth recalling that previously in Almaty, the largest single shipment of cocaine in the country's history, weighing 13 tonnes and 183 kilograms, was seized.
It was reported that the cargo was intended for further transfer through the territory of Kazakhstan to other countries. Two foreign nationals were detained on suspicion of involvement in organising the drug channel.