A 72-year-old resident of Makinsk was convicted of the unlawful acquisition, transportation and storage of tramadol on an especially large scale. The woman acquired 30 packs of the drug using forged prescriptions and kept them at home.
WHAT IS KNOWN
According to the Akmola Region Police Department (DP), in September 2025 the pensioner bought tramadol at one of the pharmacies in Kokshetau using forged prescriptions. Each of the 30 packs contained 10 tablets.
After the purchase, the woman transported the drug home to Makinsk and kept it there. She was later detained by officers from the drug crime counteraction unit.
WHAT THE INVESTIGATION ESTABLISHED
According to the summary table, the mass of the seized substance constitutes an especially large amount. During the investigation, evidence was gathered which the court found confirmed the woman's guilt in the unlawful acquisition, transportation and storage of a psychotropic substance.
In court, the pensioner stated that she had acquired the tablets for personal use and intended to consume the entire quantity herself.
WHAT PUNISHMENT THE COURT IMPOSED
The Kokshetau City Court initially sentenced the woman to 3 years and 6 months' imprisonment. In imposing the sentence, the court took into account the nature and degree of the social danger of the crime, as well as the age of the defendant.
The court did not establish any circumstances mitigating or aggravating liability. Taking into account an amnesty, the sentence was reduced to 2 years and 4 months.
The pensioner will serve her sentence in a medium-security institution of the penal enforcement system.
WHY TRAMADOL IS SUBJECT TO CONTROL
Tramadol is used in medicine as an analgesic. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies it as an opioid and notes that such drugs are used to treat pain, but when used non-medically or without control they can cause dependence.
In Kazakhstan, special control over the circulation of tramadol was introduced in 2023. The drug was added to the list of psychotropic substances used for medical purposes and subject to control. After this, the dispensing of tramadol was restricted: the drug is sold by doctor's prescription, and pharmacies require the appropriate licence for its circulation.
