At the recent National Kurultai in Atyrau, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the vices plaguing society, particularly drug trafficking, which he described as a "real epidemic." Law enforcement agencies are taking measures to combat this issue, with over 7,500 drug-related crimes identified last year alone, resulting in the seizure of 41 tons of illicit substances.
President Tokayev emphasized the urgency of intensifying the fight against drugs, warning that tomorrow might be too late. He proposed increasing penalties for drug production, equating it to the most serious crimes, focusing on synthetic drugs that have surpassed their natural counterparts.
The scale of the spread of synthetic drugs within the country is alarming, with the problem growing each year. The trend of synthetic drugs dominating production globally is evident, with opioids taking a back seat. Kazakhstan has not been immune to this trend, with local production replacing imports.
Efforts to combat drug production include shutting down illegal drug labs and restricting precursor chemicals used in manufacturing. The consequences of drug abuse are reflected in official statistics, although the actual number of addicts may be higher than reported.
Law enforcement agencies have developed a comprehensive plan to combat drug trafficking, emphasizing prevention through educational initiatives in schools and universities. The fight against drug sales on social media platforms is also a priority, with measures in place to block suspicious websites.
Despite progress made in combating drug trafficking, authorities continue their efforts to tackle this pressing issue. The collaborative approach involving various government agencies and the community underscores the determination to address the drug epidemic in Kazakhstan.
