Head of Kazakhstan's Anti-Drug Committee Suspended Pending Pre-Trial Investigation

The head of Kazakhstan's Committee for Countering Drug-Related Crime, Daniyar Meirkhan, has been temporarily suspended from his duties. The suspension is linked to a pre-trial investigation initiated following an appeal from employees within the agency.

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Sanzhar Adilov confirmed the development, stating that every appeal is subject to thorough examination. "A full and objective check will be conducted regarding the appeal from employees concerning Daniyar Meirkhan," Adilov said. He clarified that the ongoing procedure is specifically a pre-trial procedural investigation.

Reports about potential criminal proceedings against Meirkhan first surfaced online on April 8. The current formal investigation and subsequent suspension follow those initial reports.

Daniyar Meirkhan holds the rank of police colonel. His career includes senior positions in the police department of the South Kazakhstan region from 2012 to 2022. Between 2023 and 2024, he served in administrative roles at the Kostanay Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

He was appointed deputy chairman of the anti-drug committee in September 2024, became acting chairman in December 2024, and was confirmed as the committee's chairman in September 2025.