Work on this issue is ongoing
According to Deputy Foreign Minister Almaz Imangaziev at a meeting of the committee on science, education, innovative development, information technology, and culture, about 1,200 citizens of Kyrgyzstan have been convicted in Russia.
Imangaziev noted that a large portion of these offenses are related to the illegal drug trade.
Currently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the General Prosecutor's Office, is actively working on the extradition process of convicts back to Kyrgyzstan.
“Since 2022, there has been an increase in requests regarding extradition. This indicates that when our citizens submit the relevant applications, we begin work in accordance with established rules,” he added.
The Deputy Minister also reported on amendments to legislation that have expedited the extradition process. Thus, in 2025, about 300 citizens were transferred from Russia to Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyz diplomats, together with the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Russia and representatives of the diaspora, are actively conducting informational and explanatory activities on issues related to drugs.
Consuls regularly meet with convicts and hold discussions on explanatory topics.
“Unfortunately, the level of drug-related crimes remains high. Some citizens commit them out of ignorance, while others act knowingly. Nevertheless, work in this direction continues,” the official concluded.
