In Astana, a campaign to combat addiction among the population took place on March 24th. The city's Maslikhat deputy, Magzum Arslanbek, revealed that with the support of the city administration, youth, and the Astana Department of Health, 4 tons of non-smoking tobacco products were disposed of. The main goal of the campaign is to prevent youth from using such substances, addressing the prevalence of non-smoking tobacco products, vapes, synthetic drugs, and their harmful effects as highlighted by the country's leader during a recent Kurultai.
Arslanbek emphasized the importance of citizens joining the initiative, with daily raids conducted alongside youth, athletes, and bloggers. The initiative aims not only to confiscate and destroy drugs but also to promote mass sports activities among the youth. The campaign, which started in mid-March, will continue systematically. The disposal of the 4-ton substance was coordinated with the city's prosecution office, ensuring no harm to the environment.
The substances were destroyed in a specialized medical waste disposal machine, with the process monitored by Kazecotech's General Director, Vladimir Andreev. The equipment used for disposal has a purification system, releasing mainly steam into the atmosphere. Harmful substances are collected in a special container, ensuring minimal environmental impact. This marks the first disposal of such substances, with the police's assistance being provided on a voluntary basis.
In a separate effort on March 18th, raids across all five districts of Astana targeted the sale and promotion of non-smoking tobacco products, vapes, and e-cigarettes. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the low accountability for the production and distribution of such substances in Kazakhstan, labeling the consumption of these products as one of the most harmful and disgraceful habits.
