Kazakhstan's Ministry of Internal Affairs has announced the results of the Därmek operational and preventive operation, aimed at curbing the illegal circulation of medicines containing psychotropic and strong-acting substances. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
During the work carried out, facts were identified of such drugs being sold without a doctor's prescription by some pharmacy employees, as well as by other persons not connected to pharmaceutical activity. These medicines, which must be dispensed by prescription, were sold to minors.
The latest stage of the operation was conducted between 21 and 25 September.
"During the operation, more than 1,500 medical institutions and pharmacies, as well as 142 enterprises, were inspected. 249 administrative violations were identified. The circulation of 28,000 medicinal products containing narcotic substances was restricted," the ministry said.
At the same time, measures are being taken to prevent chemical substances and precursors from moving from legal into illegal circulation. The circulation of 675 tonnes of various precursors was restricted, and 90 legal entities were held administratively liable.
"For example, in Petropavlovsk a swimming coach was detained, and 56 tablets containing strong-acting substances were seized from him. In one of the pharmacies in Turkestan, a fact of selling strong-acting substances without a licence was identified, and more than 5,000 tablets were seized. In Uralsk, the circulation of 500 tonnes of hydrochloric acid was restricted for violating licensing requirements," the statement reads.
We recall that from 1 January this year, criminal liability was introduced for the illegal purchase, storage and transportation of strong-acting substances. These offences carry criminal punishment in the form of imprisonment for a term of 5 to 15 years.