In a significant move to combat drug-related offenses, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan has signed a law that imposes harsher penalties for drug production and trafficking. The new legislation, titled "On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Countering Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, Their Analogues, Precursors, and Potent Substances," introduces life imprisonment as the maximum punishment for these crimes.
Report informs via Kazakh media that under the new law, individuals found guilty of producing, manufacturing, or processing drugs can face imprisonment ranging from 15 to 20 years or even life sentences, along with the confiscation of their property. This marks a significant increase in the severity of punishments compared to the previous legislation.
The law also targets officials involved in drug-related crimes, with those found guilty now facing 15 to 20 years in prison and property confiscation, up from the previous 10 to 15 years. This move aims to hold those in positions of authority accountable for their actions and deter them from engaging in drug crimes.
Interestingly, the law slightly reduces the penalties for first-time drug couriers, known as "zakladchiki," who are often teenagers or young adults. If caught without aggravating circumstances, they now face 5 to 8 years in prison with property confiscation, down from the previous 5 to 10 years. This change acknowledges that these individuals are often exploited by drug trafficking organizers and may not be directly involved in drug production. However, repeat offenders will still face harsh punishments of 7 to 12 years in prison with property confiscation.