Kazakhstan seizes 67 illegal firearms in nationwide safety crackdown

Kazakhstan has recovered dozens of illegal firearms in a recent crackdown on unlawful weapons. The operation, part of a broader effort to improve public safety, took place from April 27 to 29. Authorities also urged citizens to hand in any illegally held guns without fear of prosecution. The second phase of the nationwide operation, named Public Order, resulted in the seizure of 67 firearms and over 200 rounds of ammunition. Among the recovered weapons were 74 guns looted during the January unrest.

On April 27, police in Almaty discovered stolen firearms hidden on the shore of Lake Sayran. The Interior Ministry reported that since the start of 2023, more than 900 weapons and over 4,000 rounds of ammunition have been confiscated. Officials reminded the public that voluntarily surrendering illegal firearms exempts citizens from criminal or administrative penalties. The ministry continues to encourage cooperation to reduce the number of unlawfully held weapons in circulation.

The operation has removed hundreds of illegal firearms from the streets. Citizens who turn in unlawfully possessed weapons will face no legal consequences. Authorities remain focused on strengthening public safety through ongoing enforcement efforts.