In the city of Arys, Turkestan region, officers from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) shut down a drug laboratory where, according to the investigation, synthetic drugs were being produced. Two brothers have been arrested in connection with the case, and a pre-trial investigation has been launched against them.
WHAT WAS FOUND DURING THE SEARCH
According to Polisia.kz, the operation took place in early May as part of a series of general and special MIA operations.
The investigation believes that the two brothers set up a large-scale illegal synthetic drug production operation in a private house on the outskirts of Arys.
During the search, law enforcement officers seized nearly half a tonne of liquid mephedrone, as well as 1.5 tonnes of precursor chemicals. Expert examinations have been ordered on these substances.
Additionally, a reactor, flasks, a magnetic stirrer, canisters, plastic trays and other equipment indicative of drug production were found at the scene.
WHAT INVESTIGATION ARE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES CONDUCTING
A pre-trial investigation has been launched against the detainees under Article 297-1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan ("Organisation or maintenance of premises for the manufacture of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues, as well as the production of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues").
The penalty under this article carries a sentence of up to life imprisonment.
The suspects have been placed in a temporary detention facility.
MIA COMMENT
Deputy Chairman of the MIA Committee on Countering Drug Crime, Eldar Abdikenov, stated that the MIA continues its work to eliminate drug production in the country.
According to him, any attempts to organise drug production will be suppressed "harshly and uncompromisingly".