Navai arrested for two months for drug smuggling

Russian singer Navai Bakirov, who goes by the pseudonym Navai, will remain in custody for two months over alleged drug smuggling into Kazakhstan. The musician was detained at the entrance to the country after a car search.

The incident occurred on October 13 at the border crossing point "Kordai" in Zhambyl region. When checking the car, law enforcement officers found a prohibited substance and seized it. After that, a criminal case was opened against the rapper.

According to Kazakh media, a service dog found suspected drugs in the driver’s seat pocket. In the car were also two companions of the artist. It was also reported about the substance found in the bag of the manager of the musician.

After the arrest, Navai was placed in a temporary detention facility. During the interrogation, he confessed to buying drugs in Bishkek, where he performed a concert the day before.

Due to the arrest, the artist was unable to perform in Astana on October 14. Organizers canceled the concert hours before the start, citing technical reasons.