The Committee of National Security (KNB) of Kazakhstan has conducted joint operations to combat drug trafficking with European countries.
In a statement dated May 3, 2024, it was noted that KNB successfully carried out an operation at the end of 2023 to intercept an international drug supply channel known as the "Northern Route."
Through operational development, a functioning heroin smuggling channel from Afghanistan through Kazakhstan to European countries was identified.
"The Committee, in cooperation with foreign partners and competent authorities of Germany, uncovered an elaborate network of one of the international drug syndicates. The culmination of the operation was the arrest of two foreigners in Germany transporting 60 kg of opium and 12 kg of methamphetamine."
The press service of KNB RK stated that the law enforcement agencies of Germany are now conducting pre-trial investigations.
Furthermore, it was mentioned that in February 2024, as part of a separate operation, the intentions of participants in a transnational drug structure to organize another international drug smuggling channel from Afghanistan were uncovered.
"With the aim of eliminating all links in the drug chain, coordination between the General Prosecutor's Office of Kazakhstan and European partners was established. As a result of the measures taken, the main organizer of the drug channel - a citizen of Spain - was detained, with 10 kg of methamphetamine seized from him, delivered to Europe from Afghanistan through Kazakhstan."
The press service of KNB RK highlighted that the market value of the confiscated drugs in Europe is estimated at over $2.5 million.
It was previously reported that the Department of KNB in the Aktobe region in February 2024 dismantled an international drug supply channel from distant foreign countries to Kazakhstan using postal shipments.
