Izvestia Claims Russian Authorities Say Kazakhstan Key Transit Route for Smuggling "Potent" Substances

Russian law enforcement agencies claim that Kazakhstan has become a primary transit hub for smuggling potent substances into Russia. These substances, which are prohibited from free circulation, are reportedly brought in under the guise of legal cargo, Orda.kz reports.

Izvestia claims that “Kazakhstan is becoming the main gateway to Russia for importing potent substances that are prohibited from free circulation.” The number of such smuggling cases is said to be increasing.

In May, a vehicle was supposedly stopped at the Kazakh-Russian border carrying 66 kilograms of sibutramine — an anti-obesity medication available only by prescription — and 300 kilograms of precursors. 

Another case occurred in Russia’s Vladimir region, where authorities intercepted a package from Kazakhstan containing a large quantity of anabolic steroids.

Russian law enforcement agencies report that such substances are transported in concealed compartments of trucks, in liquid form inside canisters, and disguised as sports nutrition or dietary supplements.

The reason they are routed through Kazakhstan is purportedly due to significantly lower prices in the country, making smuggling a lucrative business.

In Kazakhstan, medicinal products containing sibutramine as an active substance are prohibited for use. Despite this, such drugs continue to be sold, often as dietary supplements,
 Izvestia writes.

In Russia, the smuggling of steroids and other prohibited substances is punishable by up to 12 years in prison.

Sibutramine, which is reportedly still available in some Kazakhstani pharmacies and illegally brought into Russia, is associated with serious side effects.

They can put significant strain on the cardiovascular system and, in some cases, lead to heart attacks or strokes. Synthetic growth hormones, reportedly also transported from Kazakhstan to Russia, share similar risks but are still used for rapid weight loss or body enhancement.

Orda.kz intends to send an official inquiry to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan to clarify the situation.

Original Author: Nikita Drobny