Unlawful peddling of active narcotics to become subject to criminal penalties in Kazakhstan
Revised Article:
Crimping the Use of Psychotropic Substances: A Proposed Law in Kazakhstan
A new law is brewing in Kazakhstan, targeting the unlawful use of psychotropic substances and their precursors. Titled "On Amending and Supplementing Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Counteracting the Illegal Circulation of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, and Their Precursors," the draft law has already gained initial approval [1].
This proposed law aims to tighten the noose on the illegal production, processing, acquisition, storage, transportation, and transmission of precursors. Notably, it seeks to punish the unlawful circulation of potent substances, such as certain medical drugs frequently abused by drug enthusiasts, mainly teenagers.
Mazhilis deputy, Snezhana Imasheva, underlined the growing issue of non-medical abuse of drugs like tropicamide, nitrous oxide, zolpidem, and pregabalin. These substances are often misused to intensify the effects of synthetic drugs, creating a surging demand [2].
Currently, only administrative penalties are imposed for selling these drugs without a prescription and for violating the set handling rules. However, Imasheva recognizes that these punishments have little impact on deterrents for offenders peddling these drugs for non-medical purposes [3].
The new law seeks to remedy this by imposing criminal liability for the illegal circulation of potent substances, as well as violations in handling them and their theft. Additionally, amendments to the Health Code mandate post-discharge medical observation and supportive treatment for individuals who have undergone compulsory treatment due to psychoactive substance use [2].
For those keen on examining the intricacies of Kazakhstan's drug control measures and legal reforms, further reading options include "Cheap Euphoria". The Dangers of "Laughing Gas" for Kazakhstanis, 25 kg of Narcotics and 1 Ton of Precursors: An Underground Laboratory was Liquidated in Almaty Region, and "There's No Such Thing as 'Recreational' Drug Use!" The True Story of a Former Drug Addict [4].
[1] Approved in the first reading at a meeting of the Mazhilis.[2] Mazhilis deputy Snezhana Imasheva.[3] Proposed to introduce criminal liability for the illegal circulation of potent substances.[4] Also Read section from the original article.[5] See the overall enrichment data for a broader context of drug control and legal reforms in Kazakhstan.
- In the proposed law, therapies and treatments for individuals who have undergone compulsory treatment due to psychoactive substance use are mandated, highlighting the importance of mental health and health-and-wellness in the context of drug abuse.
- Apart from targeting the illegal circulation of psychotropic substances, the draft law in Kazakhstan also aims to address science-related issues, such as the development and misuse of certain medical drugs, necessitating a closer look at the scientific research surrounding these compounds.
