Law enforcement officers in Almaty, Kazakhstan have shut down an online drug store that operated a contactless narcotics distribution network across the city and surrounding region.

According to police, 11 members of the criminal group were detained during investigative operations. Those arrested include the organizers, operators managing online sales, and individuals responsible for handling the financial side of the illegal operation, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Officers seized around three kilograms of synthetic drugs from illegal circulation. In addition, communication devices, bank cards, and digital storage media used to coordinate the criminal scheme were confiscated.

Investigators say the group relied on an online storefront and contactless delivery methods to distribute drugs - a tactic increasingly used by organized networks to evade direct interaction and law enforcement detection.

A pre-trial investigation has been launched as authorities continue to examine the full scope of the operation and identify potential additional suspects.