Police in Astana have detained a 19-year-old woman suspected of storing and distributing narcotics. During an operation, officers identified her and searched the studio apartment she rented, where they found a large batch of illegal substances, the website infohub.kz reports.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs' website, police found a plastic container holding a white powder in a kitchen cupboard. Later, in a shoebox in the room, they found another container with similar contents, along with more than 300 wrapped packets and items intended for measuring and packaging.
The seized substance weighed about one kilogram in total. An expert examination confirmed it was mephedrone.
A criminal case has been opened. The suspect has been placed in a temporary detention facility.
"It was preliminarily established that the girl acted as a so-called 'stash': she stored the drugs and handed them on for further distribution," law enforcement officials said.
Police are now identifying other individuals who may be involved in the illegal activity.
"Storing and distributing narcotics carry criminal liability. Law enforcement agencies continue their work to identify and suppress drug crimes. Citizens who have information about illegal drug trafficking are asked to report it immediately by calling 102," police said.