Kazakhstan’s National Security Committee has detained 10 people in the western city of Atyrau on suspicion of extremist activity, terrorist propaganda and inciting religious hatred.

The operation was carried out on October 30 in coordination with the prosecutor’s office as part of a pre-trial investigation, 24KZ reports.

The suspects are believed to have established an extremist group, led it and participated in its activities.

Investigators allege that the group aimed to violently overthrow the foundations of the constitutional order in western Kazakhstan.

During searches at the suspects’ homes, law enforcement officers seized firearms, drugs, religious items, literature and other evidence.

Police officers also shut down three underground educational centers for children and teenagers that had been established by members of the group.

Some of the suspects had previously been convicted of terrorism-related and other criminal offenses.