Interior ministry conducts special operation in Almaty region

Tengrinews.kz - Officers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) have shut down a major underground drug laboratory in the Almaty region, citing Polisia.kz.
According to the ministry, a special operation was carried out using a controlled delivery method, tracking a criminal supply chain from the city of Shu to the suburban area of “Turarskiye Dachi” in Karasai District.
During the operation, two citizens of a neighboring country were detained. According to the investigation, they had organized the production and distribution of synthetic drugs.

“Over 11 kilograms of synthetic drugs — mephedrone — were seized from illegal circulation. This helped prevent around 35,000 single doses, worth a total of $1.6 million, from reaching the black market,” said Daniyar Meirkhan, Deputy Chairman of the MIA’s Committee to Combat Drug Crime.

During a search of the laboratory, authorities also found 20 liters and 115 kilograms of psychotropic substances, along with more than two tons of precursors. According to law enforcement estimates, these materials could have been used to produce an additional 120 kilograms of synthetic drugs.
In total, the damage inflicted on the shadow drug market is estimated at $17.5 million. The detained suspects have been placed in a temporary detention facility.
Previously, the MIA reported that the Astana Police had dismantled a transnational drug trafficking group and seized more than 100 kilograms of mephedrone.