Police officers risk life imprisonment if involved in drug business in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan wants to introduce life sentences for officials involved in the drug trafficking. According to MP Askhat Aitmagambetov, a group of experts working on the initiative has already approved a legal amendment, as it could help combat corrupt officers.

«It took two attempts for the cabinet to give its positive conclusion on our draft amendment designed to strengthen punishment through life sentences for officials involved in the drug business. Given that this initiative was supported by law enforcement agencies, we know that they have taken an active stance and are genuinely eager to fight this evil,» the MP wrote on social media.

The official emphasized that those public servants who use their official status to profit from the drug business undermine citizens’ faith in the government, threatening the lives and health of the people.

«Our goal is not just to punish those responsible but to prevent such crimes from happening. We are going to send clear messages to everyone: they won’t avoid responsibility despite their status,» he said.

In August, a deputy head of the Counter Drug Department of the Kostanay region was sentenced to 15 years for selling drugs, inciting crimes and abusing power. The convict has also lost his rank of police captain.

Timur Iksanov, a former detective and member of the private association called Za Spravedlivost (For Fairness), earlier this year proposed to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to revise its strategy for curbing drug sales via Telegram. He believes that operatives should refrain from detaining drop-off drug deliverers on the spot and should be more lenient if they agree to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.