Kazakhstan: Age of Criminal Responsibility for Drug Crimes Will Not Be Lowered
Photo: Elements.envato.com, ill purposes
Kazakhstan has no plans to lower the age of criminal responsibility for drug-related offenses, Orda.kz reports.
The announcement was made by Bakhytzhan Amirkhanov, Deputy Head of the Department for Combating Drug Crime. According to him, 61 minors were detained in the first nine months of this year, including 40 college students and 10 schoolchildren found involved in drug stash activities.
Criminal liability begins at age 16. For drug distribution, liability also begins at age 16. If society is proposing to lower the age to 13, it’s probably a few individuals. But this applies to particularly serious crimes. Specifically, for drug trafficking, the age limit begins at age 16,
Amirkhanov explained.
He added that amendments to the Criminal Code adopted last year increased penalties for drug production, which can now result in life imprisonment.
In 2025, authorities identified 16 organized crime groups, opened 20 criminal cases, detained 60 individuals, and seized over 950 kilograms of drugs.
“The age of responsibility will not be lowered,” the Ministry of Internal Affairs representative emphasized.
Original Author: Artyom Volkov
Latest news
- The War in Iran Opens a Window of Opportunity for Kazakhstan’s Oil Sector, Analysts Say
- Iran Conflict Escalates Beyond the Gulf: What Kazakh Experts Say About Risks for Central Asia and Kazakhstan
- Kazakhstan Prepares Possible Evacuation of Its Citizens From Iran
- LRT in Astana Is Reaching the Finish Line: The Launch Is Expected in the Coming Months
- Kazakhstan Ready to Help the UAE Amid Escalation in the Region
- Tokayev Discusses Middle East Escalation With Qatar’s Emir
- Airlines Ready to Bring Kazakhstanis Home From the Middle East
- Tokayev Sends Support Messages to Gulf Leaders Amid Regional Escalation
- Kazakhstan Bans Its Airlines From Flying Over Several Middle East Countries
- Astana Strengthens Security Measures Amid Escalation Around Iran
- Tokayev Meets U.S. Ambassador Stufft, Discusses Board of Peace Cooperation
- Mangystau Launches AI-Assisted School Monitoring to Prevent Teen Suicidal Behavior
- Kazakhstan to Supply UK With Critical Minerals
- AI Faculties for Educators to Open in Kazakhstan: What Other Changes Are Coming to the Education Sector
- There Are Medals — But Not Enough Ice: What’s Happening to Figure Skating in Kazakhstan
- Is Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Power Plant Project at Risk After New UK Sanctions? Rosatom Responds
- Prosecutor General’s Office Suspends Extradition of Navalny Ex-Staffer Detained in Almaty
- Former EBRD Executive Jürgen Rigterink Elected as New Independent Director on Bank RBK’s Board of Directors
- Kazakhstan Near Bottom of Retirement Comfort Ranking
- Kazakhstan to Open New International Flights Across Asia, the Middle East and Europe
