Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has stated that despite intensified efforts by law enforcement, drug addiction remains a critical and growing challenge in Kazakhstan, especially among young people.
Bektenov made these remarks during a meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission on Offense Prevention, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kazakh media.
“The spread of drug addiction among youth is an alarming trend that poses a threat to society at large. Unfortunately, this issue continues to worsen,” he warned.
The prime minister noted that the complexity of drug trafficking has increased significantly, with dealers now exploiting online platforms, postal services, secret drop-off points (‘stash spots’), and anonymous electronic payments. These methods reduce physical contact between traffickers and consumers, complicating law enforcement’s efforts to apprehend offenders.
Bektenov called for enhanced capabilities to detect and block drug-related websites and advertisements and urged stricter controls to curb financial transactions linked to drug trafficking.
Interior Minister Yerzhan Sadenov reported that in the first half of 2025, authorities seized 6.4 tons of narcotics, blocked more than 17,000 drug-related websites, and detained 474 individuals involved in drug offenses, including 28 Telegram channel administrators used for illicit distribution.
In addition, 21 criminal cases targeting organized drug groups-three of which are transnational-have been initiated, with over 11,000 anti-drug operations carried out nationwide.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Akmaral Alnazarova revealed that over the past five years, the number of opioid-dependent individuals has dropped by 1.5 times. However, there has been a worrying rise in dependence on synthetic stimulants and combined drug use.
The commission also reviewed Kazakhstan’s progress in combating domestic violence. The Interior Ministry reported a 35 per cent decrease in domestic violence cases over the last three years, with a further 20 per cent reduction in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Despite these improvements, Bektenov emphasized that addressing domestic violence remains a national priority within the country’s family and demographic policy framework.
“The president’s principle of law and order makes it clear that any form of violence or physical abuse is unacceptable. Following his directive, we have strengthened legislation and increased penalties for crimes against women and children,” the prime minister affirmed.
Bektenov concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to fostering a safer and healthier society, with particular attention to protecting youth, enhancing cyber enforcement, and supporting vulnerable populations.
