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Askar Jetegenov, ex-deputy head of the drug crime investigations at the Almaty Police Department, has been detained on suspicion of large-scale drug production and trafficking. According to a statement from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), the case is currently under investigation by Kazakhstan’s Prosecutor General’s Office.
«The MIA is conducting systematic efforts to identify employees who violate the law and hold them accountable. Any unlawful conduct by MIA representatives will be met with the strictest measures,» the statement read.
The pre-trial process is being conducted under an article of the Kazakhstani Criminal Code related to the illegal manufacturing, trafficking and processing of drugs. If convicted, Jetegenov faces a sentence of 10 to 15 years in prison, along with property confiscation.
Jetegenov was dismissed in October 2024 following an unscheduled qualification review. The MIA emphasized that the agency is committed to cleansing its ranks of dishonest employees, maintaining transparency and upholding high duty standards.
Kazakhstani journalist Mikhail Kozachkov previously posted on his Telegram channel that Jetegenov was suspected of manufacturing synthetic drugs. The Almaty Police Department also added that the former officer was removed from his position following an unscheduled review, during which he was deemed unsuitable for the position held.
