A court in the Zhambyl Region has placed the Russian rapper and singer Navai Bakirov, known by the stage name Navai, in custody until 14 December 2026. The artist is suspected of smuggling and illegal possession of narcotic substances. The court justified its decision by the risk that he might flee from the investigation.
WHAT WAS FOUND IN THE CAR
On 13 October 2026, the artist was detained at the Kordai checkpoint while entering Kazakhstan from Kyrgyzstan. He was driving a rented Mercedes-Benz S580.
A search of the vehicle found 2.53 grammes of marijuana, as well as a tobacco grinder and rolling papers. After checks, Bakirov and his two companions were handed over to police officers.
UNDER WHICH ARTICLES THE CASE IS BEING INVESTIGATED
A case is being investigated against the singer on the facts of smuggling and illegal handling of narcotic substances without intent to distribute.
Along with the artist, concert director Rauf Gasanov and Khalmurat Manapov were in the car. Both companions were subsequently released.
WHY THE COURT CHOSE DETENTION
The judge indicated that Bakirov has no permanent place of residence or close relatives in Kazakhstan. These circumstances became the basis for the decision to place him in custody.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT ADDITIONAL CHECKS
The media also reported information about the possible bringing of Bakirov to administrative liability for driving a car while under the influence of narcotics.
In addition, the Border Service of Kyrgyzstan has begun an investigation into the circumstances of the car's passage through the Ak-Zhol checkpoint. This concerns establishing how the vehicle crossed the border before the narcotic substances were discovered on the Kazakh side.
