Kazakhstan is taking decisive action to combat drug addiction and trafficking with the approval of the Comprehensive Plan to Combat Drug Addiction and Drug Trafficking for 2023-2025. The plan, signed by Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov on July 5, is a response to president Kassym Jomart Tokayev's call to address the issue as outlined in his state-of-the-nation address last year.
The plan recognizes the evolving global trends in drug production and distribution, including the rise of new psychoactive substances and their availability on the darknet, through messengers, crypto wallets, and other digital platforms. It aims to bring together society, civil institutions, and government agencies to enhance drug prevention efforts and reduce the number of drug addicts.
One of the major focuses of the plan is to eliminate clandestine drug laboratories and plantations in remote areas. This will be achieved through the use of aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles to target and eradicate these production sites. The plan also addresses the challenges posed by prescription drug addiction, cannabis trafficking, and the detection of opiates, particularly those entering Kazakhstan from Afghanistan via the so-called northern route. To strengthen border security, the plan includes the establishment of checkpoints equipped with screening devices to detect drugs, precursors, and equipment used in drug labs.
To effectively respond to emerging challenges and threats, the plan includes measures to enhance the material and technical capabilities of state agencies and forensic examination bodies. This will expedite the analysis of new synthetic drugs, blood samples, and other biomaterials obtained during medical examinations of citizens.
In terms of treatment and rehabilitation, the plan aims to increase the number of minors with long-term remission from drug addiction from 15% to 20%. It also seeks to extend medical and social rehabilitation coverage for drug users from 26% to 30%. Additionally, efforts will be made to decrease the number of individuals silently using drugs by 2025.
The plan also emphasizes the improvement and expansion of the drug addiction prevention system. New treatment and rehabilitation centers will be established, and existing ones will be modernized to ensure effective support for individuals struggling with addiction.
To implement the measures outlined in the plan, approximately $119.9mn will be allocated. This funding will be used to enhance the legislative and regulatory framework, strengthen international cooperation, increase the effectiveness of countering the modern drug business, and reduce the level of drug addiction in Kazakhstan.
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