ALMATY, Jul 8 (NNN-KNA) – Authorities shut down an underground drug laboratory, in the Karasay District of Almaty Region, Kazakhstan, it was reported yesterday.
The illegal facility, located in a suburban area, was operated by two foreign nationals from a neighbouring country, and was used for the production and distribution of synthetic drugs.
According to Daniyar Meirkhan, acting chairman of the Committee for Combating Drug Crime of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, more than 11 kilogrammes of the synthetic drug, known as mephedrone, were seized in the raid. The operation prevented roughly 35,000 single doses, estimated to be worth 1.6 million U.S. dollars, from reaching the market.
In addition, police confiscated 20 litres and 115 kilogrammes of psychotropic substances, along with over two tonnes of chemical precursors, that could have been used to produce up to 120 kilogrammes of synthetic drugs.
The total damage to the criminal underworld is estimated at 17.5 million dollars. “The detained individuals have been placed in a temporary detention facility. Work in this area is ongoing,” Meirkhan said.– NNN-KNA
