Kazakhstan Enhances Anti-Drug Trafficking Laws
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has recently signed important legislative amendments aimed at cracking down on the illegal trafficking of drugs in the country. The new regulations introduce harsher penalties for those involved in the production and distribution of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, analogs, precursors, and potent substances.
The amendments come as part of President Tokayev’s vision to build a Just Kazakhstan, which he reiterated during the National Kurultai in Atyrau in March 2024. The President’s policy emphasizes core principles such as different opinions but one nation, a listening state, law and order, a strong President with an influential Parliament and an accountable Government, and the concept of Adal Azamat (an honest citizen in Kazakh).
Key provisions of the new law include stricter criminal liability for drug production, with officials involved facing 15 to 20 years of imprisonment or even life imprisonment with property confiscation. The penalties for first-time offenders acting as couriers have been reduced in cases without aggravating circumstances, recognizing that many couriers are youth exploited by criminal organizations.
Repeat offenders will face stricter penalties, with imprisonment ranging from seven to 12 years and property confiscation. Distributing drugs within criminal groups, educational institutions, or to minors will result in sentences of 15 to 20 years in prison with property confiscation.
The law also introduces measures to combat illegal drug trafficking, such as criminal liability for the unlawful cultivation of plants containing narcotic substances, penalties for the illegal circulation of precursors, potent substances, and equipment used in drug production, and sanctions for violations of rules governing narcotic analogs, psychotropic substances, and precursors.
These amendments come in the wake of recent legislative measures addressing issues such as gambling and lottery regulation, vape sales, penalties for violence against women and children, human trafficking, vandalism, and property damage. President Tokayev’s administration is committed to creating a just and fair society by tackling various challenges affecting the country.
