24 July 2025, 09:00
Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov chaired a meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission on Crime Prevention under the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The meeting was attended by Minister of Internal Affairs Yerzhan Sadenov, Minister of Healthcare Akmaral Alnazarova, Minister of Education Gani Beisembayev, Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva, as well as akims of the regions and the cities of Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent, and representatives of the Prosecutor General’s Office, the National Security Committee, and the Financial Monitoring Agency.
The meeting addressed measures to combat drug-related crimes and alcoholism, as well as the effectiveness of efforts to prevent domestic and family-related offenses.
Minister of Internal Affairs Yerzhan Sadenov reported that in the first half of the year, 6.4 tons of drugs were seized, over 17,000 drug websites were blocked, 474 drug offenders were detained, including 28 Telegram channel administrators. Twenty-one criminal cases were initiated against organized crime groups, including three transnational groups. More than 11,000 anti-drug events were held. Additionally, 107,000 incidents of alcohol consumption in public places and 7,000 violations in alcohol circulation were stopped. Restrictions on alcohol consumption were imposed on 11,000 individuals.
According to Minister of Healthcare Akmaral Alnazarova, more than 17,000 individuals are registered with drug addiction in dispensaries. Over the past five years, the number of opioid addicts has decreased by 1.5 times, while the number of patients addicted to synthetic stimulants and mixed drug use has increased. Since late 2024, advisory supervision of individuals with harmful use without dependence syndrome has been introduced, covering about 3,000 people. Narcological assistance is provided in 20 regional mental health centers, 79 urban and 205 district offices, and by the Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Mental Health. There are also 94 youth health centers functioning at the primary healthcare level, which served over 700,000 people in 2024. In 2025, new methodological guidelines to improve treatment effectiveness were approved. The list of contraindications for hospitalization continues to be revised.
The Prime Minister emphasized that despite the efforts of law enforcement agencies, the problem of drug addiction persists, especially among youth.
"President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has defined the principle of ‘Law and Order’ as one of the fundamental tenets of state and societal functioning. State bodies, especially law enforcement agencies, must ensure the unconditional implementation of this instruction. A dangerous trend concerning society as a whole is the spread of drug addiction among youth. Unfortunately, this is gaining momentum. The situation is complicated by new methods of distribution — via the Internet, postal services, stash locations, and anonymous electronic payments. All of this removes the physical link between the dealer, the distributor, and the consumer. As a result, apprehending distributors is now much more difficult," Olzhas Bektenov noted.
The Prime Minister instructed that measures be taken to improve mechanisms for detecting and blocking drug websites and similar advertisements and to explore blocking monetary transfers related to drug trafficking.
Attention was also given to strengthening control over the pharmacy sale of addictive drugs, creating rehabilitation infrastructure — including for minors — and stepping up efforts in detection and treatment of drug addiction.
As part of combating alcoholism, the expansion of the “sober settlements” movement was instructed. Currently, there are more than 400 such settlements. It was proposed to incentivize activists and local administrations implementing such initiatives. Today, more than half of murders, one in three acts of hooliganism, and one in four robberies are committed under the influence of alcohol.
Olzhas Bektenov instructed the development of a new drug policy focused not only on combating the consequences but also on addressing the root causes of drug distribution.
The Commission also reviewed the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to prevent domestic violence and provide psychological support.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, over the past three years, the number of reports of domestic violence has decreased by 35%. In the first half of 2025 alone, there was a 20% decrease compared to the same period last year. The number of family-related crimes has dropped by 34.9%.
The Prime Minister stressed that, despite the positive trend, preventing and curbing domestic violence remains an important issue for the country’s family and demographic policy.
"The ‘Law and Order’ principle defined by the Head of State means that any form of violence and abuse is unacceptable in society. At the President’s instruction, we have strengthened legislation. Penalties for unlawful acts against women and children have been increased," Olzhas Bektenov emphasized.
The Prime Minister highlighted the need to strengthen measures for preventing violence, enhance interagency coordination, expand public awareness efforts, cooperate with non-governmental organizations, and provide psychological support.
Last year, the Ministry of Internal Affairs established a specialized unit to combat domestic violence. This unit works together with relevant government agencies on preventive measures.
The issue of children witnessing domestic violence was also discussed. The Ministry of Education was instructed to develop a mechanism for early identification and support of such minors.
Olzhas Bektenov emphasized the importance of expanding the network of Family Support Centers, ensuring effective digitalization, and uniting the efforts of all agencies in combating domestic crimes.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Prime Minister instructed local executive bodies to ensure comprehensive adaptation, support, and prevention of recidivism — including domestic violence — for individuals granted amnesty.
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