Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law earlier approved by parliament that toughens penalties for organizing drug production and sales, including life imprisonment.
At the same time, the criminal punishment of drug dealers is softened.
This was reported by the press service of the head of Kazakhstan.
"The law has tightened criminal liability for drug production, as well as preparation, processing and production of drugs by officials. Now, those found guilty of these crimes can be sentenced to imprisonment for a period of 15 to 20 years or receive life imprisonment with confiscation of property," the message says.
The law has also strengthened the criminal liability of officials for drug distribution. If previously they faced 10-15 years in prison with confiscation of property, now they face 15 to 20 years in prison with confiscation of property.
Along with this, the punishment of drug dealers has been slightly reduced. For committing such a crime for the first time without aggravating circumstances, the law stipulates imprisonment for a period of 5-8 years with confiscation of property, the report states. Previously, the punishment ranged from 5 to 10 years with confiscation of property.
