Why can you buy a precursor - essentially a narcotic - at a pharmacy without a prescription? Deputy of the Majilis Dmitry Koloda discussed amendments to the laws in Kazakhstan aimed at strengthening the punishment for drug dealers and removing the norm of responsibility for non-medical drug use from the Criminal Code.
In Kazakhstan, there are intentions to intensify the fight against drug trafficking and the production of drugs and other psychoactive substances. Recently, the President of Kazakhstan listed five main social evils threatening the development of society during his speech at the National Assembly (third session on March 15, 2024), with drug addiction being named as a real epidemic, especially among the younger generation.
The head of state instructed to intensify the fight against drug dealers by improving the legislation. A draft law has been developed in the Majilis "On Amendments and Additions to Some Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Combating the Illegal Circulation of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, and their Precursors." The document will be presented for consideration during a plenary session on May 2, 2024.
Why has Kazakhstan become the "center of synthetic drug production"? The amendments increase the responsibility for the illegal circulation of drugs and precursors. There is a surge in criminal activity in Kazakhstan in establishing an underground network for the production of synthetic drugs.
The fight against drug crime should start with stopping the illegal supply of precursors and laboratory equipment. However, the current legislation only holds responsibility for their smuggling. The responsibility for the illegal circulation of precursors within the country is absent, leading to Kazakhstan becoming the epicenter of synthetic drug production in Central Asia.
Decriminalization of non-medical drug use The project proposes decriminalization of non-medical drug use in public places, excluding the element of "in public places" and illegal manufacture or storage of drugs without the intent to sell. The aim is to differentiate the approach and responsibility for sentencing between regular couriers and drug lords.
Can narcotics be imported into Kazakhstan for medical reasons? Changes in the law allow for the import and export of medicinal products containing narcotics and psychotropic substances for personal use based on a document issued by licensed organizations.
Enhancing punishment for cultivating illegal plants containing narcotics The proposal is to increase the criminal responsibility for cultivating illegal plants containing narcotics by adding qualifying features such as being part of a criminal group or in an especially large quantity.
The amendments aim to ensure a differentiated approach and delineate responsibility based on the severity of the offense when imposing sentences, distinguishing between regular drug planters and major drug producers.
