Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a law that toughens penalties for the production and sale of narcotics, extending sentences to life imprisonment.

Axar.az reports that this information was shared by the Press Service of the President of Kazakhstan.

"The criminal liability for the production of narcotics, as well as for the preparation, processing, and production of narcotics by officials, has been toughened by law. Now, for these crimes, those found guilty can be sentenced to imprisonment for a period of 15 to 20 years, or life imprisonment with confiscation of property," the statement said.

It was noted that the law also maintains harsh sanctions against individuals involved in the distribution of narcotics in educational institutions or among minors. These individuals could face imprisonment for 15 to 20 years with property confiscation.

Additionally, the law has toughened criminal liability for officials involved in the distribution of narcotics. Previously, these crimes carried a punishment of imprisonment for 10 to 15 years with property confiscation, but now the sentence can range from 15 to 20 years, also with property confiscation.