In the Aktobe region, law enforcement officers have shut down the activities of an organised criminal group suspected of the illegal sale of potent substances. More than a thousand pharmaceutical drugs were seized from illicit circulation.
HOW THE OPERATION UNFOLDED
According to Polisia.kz, the supplies were organised by a pharmacist from a pharmacy in Almaty. According to law enforcement, using the opportunities of her legitimate work, she arranged for large batches of potent substances to be delivered to the Aktobe region.
During operational and investigative measures, the alleged members of the group were detained. Among them were the organiser, an operator, packagers, and individuals involved in making stash drops.
As a result of the work carried out, more than 1,000 pharmaceutical drugs were seized from illicit circulation.
WHAT LIABILITY IS PROVIDED FOR
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) reminded that from 1 January 2026, criminal liability is provided for the illegal circulation of potent substances.
According to the ministry, the maximum penalty for this category of offence is up to 15 years' imprisonment.
CONTEXT
In 2024, in the Mangystau region, the prosecutor's office identified a pharmacy without a licence where expired 'Tropicamide' was stored and the drug was sold without a prescription. This concerned more than 45,000 packs, which amounted to 55% of the total volume of the drug purchased across the region.
