Kazakhstan's Drug Policy and Practice Today: Is the Reactive Approach of Fighting the Consequences of Drug Trafficking while Ignoring its Causes Changing?

Abstract

Kazakhstan is facing an increase in the smuggling of precursors from Russia and an increase in domestic production of synthetic drugs. Young people are increasingly involved in drug trafficking, both as consumers and distributors. The spread of Internet technologies has facilitated the online sale of drugs, and the patterns of covert trade that originated in Russia are now spreading to Kazakhstan. Qualitative research methods are used, including analysis of legislative initiatives, law enforcement practices, and surveys of law enforcement officials and lawyers, to assess the development of drug policy in Kazakhstan. The results indicate a restructuring of Kazakhstan's drug policy and legislative framework to address emerging threats, with a particular focus on combating online drug trafficking. Law enforcement practice shows a division of roles between online and offline actors, and enhanced monitoring of social media and digital platforms has become a key tool in law enforcement efforts.