Russian hip-hop artist Navai Bakirov, widely known by his stage name Navai, has been detained by Kazakh law enforcement officials at the border on suspicion of illicit narcotics trafficking. The arrest occurred on October 13 at the Korday border crossing between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. During a joint inspection conducted by local police and the National Security Committee border service, prohibited substances were purportedly discovered inside the artist's vehicle.

According to reports from regional media, a trained sniffer dog named Atlas alerted officers to the vehicle's driver-side door. A routine search revealed approximately 2.5 grams of marijuana stored in the driver's seat pocket, directly adjacent to where Bakirov was seated. Additionally, inspectors reportedly confiscated a grinder and rolling papers found inside the car. A criminal probe has been officially opened regarding allegations of narcotics smuggling and illegal transportation without intent to distribute.

Two other passengers traveling alongside the musician were initially taken into custody for questioning but were subsequently released. Navai remains detained in a temporary holding facility as the pre-trial investigation continues. The legal fallout immediately impacted his professional engagements, forcing the postponement of his major concert in Astana, originally scheduled for October 14 at the Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace, with organizers advising ticket holders to seek refunds.

The rapper's mother, Aynur Bakirova, publicly defended her son, claiming he was framed and suggesting the matter would be resolved with a financial penalty. Meanwhile, the artist's management has declined to comment publicly on the legal troubles, leaving the immediate future of the performer's regional tour uncertain amid strict Kazakh drug enforcement policies.

Source: podrobno.uz