Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has summarised the results of its work to combat drug crime for the first half of 2026. During this period, 6,000 websites containing illegal content were blocked on the internet, and 9,000 bank cards used to finance illegal activities were frozen.
WHAT RESULTS DID THE MIA PRESENT
According to Polisia.kz, the results were announced by the Deputy Chairman of the MIA Committee for Combating Drug Crime, Kuandyk Alzhanov.
He noted that the fight against drug crime is currently being conducted at the state level within the framework of the Comprehensive Plan for 2026–2028. In addition, for the first time, a Council for the Prevention of Drug Offences has been established, which includes media personalities, athletes, representatives of the clergy, culture, and public figures. Similar councils are operating in all regions of the country.
WHAT MEASURES WERE TAKEN IN THE DIGITAL SPHERE
According to the MIA, given the shift of drug crime into the digital environment, systematic work has been organised on the internet.
Through the ‘Cyber Surveillance’ system, 6,000 websites with illegal content were blocked. Using the ‘Anti-Fraud Centre’, 9,000 bank cards were frozen, through which, according to the department, financing totalling 135 million tenge was channelled. Additionally, a ‘Targeting Centre’ has been set up.
WHAT RESULTS WERE ACHIEVED OVER THE HALF-YEAR
During the first half of 2026, more than 7 tonnes of drugs were seized from illicit trafficking, including over 500 kg of synthetic drugs.
Furthermore, 15 drug laboratories were dismantled and the activities of 6 organised criminal groups were halted, one of which, according to the department, was transnational.
In May 2026, in cooperation with foreign partners, a major drug call centre was liquidated in Ukraine. According to the MIA, 11 suspects were detained for recruiting and involving citizens of Kazakhstan in drug schemes.
It is worth noting that a number of media outlets linked the activities of the call centre network to the family of Ukrainian businessman Vadym Yermolaiev, who was the target of an assassination attempt in Monaco at the end of June.
HOW IS INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION DEVELOPING
As Kuandyk Alzhanov reported, Kazakhstan is expanding cooperation with neighbouring states and international organisations, including UNODC, OSCE, CSTO, SCO, and CARICC.
Since the beginning of the year, more than 20 meetings have been held with foreign partners. In addition, in February 2026, a meeting of the Regional Working Group on Precursors was held with the participation of representatives from 15 states.
