Two Deputy Akims Among Those Detained in Mangystau Drug Case

Police in Mangystau region, working with the regional akimat, detained three residents of Munayli district — including two deputy akims — on suspicion of involvement in distributing drugs, Orda.kz reports.

According to the akimat, among those detained are the deputy akim of Munayli district and the deputy akim of Atameken village. One has already been placed in a temporary detention facility, while pre-trial measures are being decided for the other two.

Officials did not specify the charges, but noted the arrests were carried out under the “Qarasora-2025” anti-drug operation. Illegal substances were confiscated and sent for analysis.

A pre-trial investigation is underway. The seized substances have been sent for expert review, and all necessary investigative actions are in progress. The strictest measures will be taken against government officials found guilty of breaking the law, the akimat said.

Operation Qarasora-2025 primarily targets cannabis-based drugs such as marijuana and hashish, though synthetic substances are also sometimes reported.

Initially, authorities had not clarified which type of narcotics were involved in this case.

Sources later reported that officials were caught in Aqtau. The special operation was carried out by officers of the Department for Combating Drug Crime.

Among those detained are the first deputy akim of Munaily district, Alibek Utegenov, and the deputy akim of the village of Atameken, Abzal Dastanov. The third detainee is Yerdaulyet Nuryum.

Searches have been conducted at their homes and workplaces. The case has been registered under Part 1 of Article 302 of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan: “Organization or maintenance of premises for the consumption of narcotic drugs.”

Original Author: Nikita Drobny