Karaganda police shut mephedrone lab with 40 billion tenge potential output
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Police in Kazakhstan's Karaganda region, working with the National Security Committee and prosecutors, shut down a large mephedrone laboratory. Two suspects, aged 48 and 28, were detained. Officers found a 50-ton industrial tank containing about 16 tons of waste products and liquids, and experts estimated the lab could have produced up to 2 tons of mephedrone worth 40 billion tenge on the illegal market.
Key Facts
- Police in Karaganda region, together with the National Security Committee and prosecutors, shut down a large mephedrone laboratory.
- Two suspects, aged 48 and 28, were detained; the 48-year-old allegedly recruited and coordinated participants, while the younger organized the lab and trained others.
- A 50-ton industrial tank at the lab contained about 16 tons of waste products and liquids.
- A 10-liter sample from the tank tested positive for mephedrone, with 1 kg 723 g of the drug in the sample.
- Experts estimated the lab could have produced up to 2 tons of mephedrone, about 2 million single doses, worth 40 billion tenge on the illegal market.
The Raid
Officers from the Karaganda regional police department's drug enforcement unit, working with the National Security Committee and prosecutors, raided the laboratory. The operation targeted a transnational criminal group that allegedly manufactured narcotics and psychotropic substances in Kazakhstan and neighboring countries for sale. During the search, investigators found a 50-ton industrial tank containing about 16 tons of waste products and liquids. They also seized two one-ton containers with residues of a strong-smelling chemical, three 20-liter canisters of unknown liquid, and 10 polymer bags with powder residue.
Suspects and Charges
Two suspects, aged 48 and 28, were detained in the operation. The 48-year-old allegedly performed organizational functions, recruiting new members and coordinating their activities. The 28-year-old allegedly organized the laboratory's work and trained new participants in manufacturing narcotics and psychotropic substances. Both suspects are being held in custody while the pre-trial investigation continues.
Drug Volume and Value
A 10-liter sample taken from the industrial tank tested positive for mephedrone, with 1 kg 723 g of the drug in the sample. Based on the tank's volume and the test results, specialists estimated the lab could have produced up to 2 tons of mephedrone. That amount equals about 2 million single doses, with a preliminary illegal market value of 40 billion tenge. Police are now identifying raw material suppliers, the suspects' connections, and other members of the criminal group.