Kazakhstan opened 74 criminal cases over the propaganda and illegal advertising of drugs in the first eight months of 2026, according to data from the information media portal of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, infohub.kz reports.
Police said particular attention is being paid to the spread of drug advertising online, on social media and in messaging apps, as well as through graffiti, notices and QR codes.
"Young people are often drawn into such schemes with offers of so-called 'easy money' for painting inscriptions and distributing links to drug stores," the statement said.
The Interior Ministry recalled that such actions carry criminal liability. "Propaganda or illegal advertising of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues and precursors is punishable by up to three years in prison, and between three and six years when aggravating circumstances apply," police added.
Together with akimats, educational organizations, public associations and volunteers, police are carrying out preventive and raid operations. Drug-related graffiti and other forms of illegal advertising that are identified are removed, while those responsible for posting them are tracked down.
"The Interior Ministry urges citizens to report any cases of drug advertising they find to the police. Work to stop its spread and prevent young people from being drawn into drug crime continues on an ongoing basis," police stressed.
It was previously reported that banned substances in Kazakhstan are usually sold through social media, with advertising painted on the walls of buildings and fences as graffiti. Removing it yourself is not recommended.