Under the chairmanship of the Akim (Governor) of the Kostanay Region, Kumar Aksakalov, a regular meeting of the regional headquarters for coordinating the activities of state bodies on drug addiction prevention and countering drug-related crime was held. The meeting was attended by heads of law enforcement and state agencies, as well as, via video conference, the akims (mayors/heads) of cities and districts of the region.

Statistics for the first two months of the current year show a decrease in the number of registered drug-related offenses. However, the volume of substances seized from circulation has increased 10-fold (exceeding 220 kg) compared to the same period last year. Over 2.3 thousand bank cards and 703 crypto wallets used in criminal schemes have been blocked. Property worth 371 million tenge has been seized in connection with 38 criminal cases.

This trend confirms that preventive measures combined with targeted operational work yield the expected effect, allowing for the neutralization of criminal activity and the disruption of major distribution channels, including those using cryptocurrency for transactions.

In the context of implementing the Law "On the Prevention of Offenses," which came into force on March 2, 2026, the head of the region emphasized that the focus should shift from punitive measures to prevention and providing early assistance to at-risk youth.

The akims of cities and districts have been instructed to ensure the real involvement of non-governmental organizations, enhance the activities of youth resource centers in blocking drug-related graffiti and internet advertising, and engage opinion leaders and experts to build a conscious immunity to drug use.

Only through a comprehensive approach, combining the efforts of the state, society, and citizens, and applying modern, targeted, and more effective methods, will we be able to effectively counter the drug threat and ensure the safety of our citizens.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1192086?lang=kk