Security services in Kazakhstan have discovered a cache of small arms along the planned route of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's motorcade in the Turkestan region, according to a report by Polisia.kz.
The weapons stash was found during a security sweep conducted jointly by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Security Committee (KNB), and the State Protection Service. Authorities have launched a criminal investigation and are carrying out a comprehensive set of operational and investigative measures to establish all the circumstances and apprehend suspects.
Further details are being withheld in the interests of the ongoing investigation.
President Tokayev arrived in the Turkestan region on September 27 for a working visit. His itinerary began with a visit to the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and included stops at an ice palace, the SPK TURKISTAN industrial park, an agricultural exhibition, a dairy farm, and a garment factory.
Several Telegram channels had previously reported that the weapons cache was discovered in anticipation of the President's trip, with the stash allegedly located along the route to the airport.
This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by Kazakhstan's leadership and the vigilance of the country's security apparatus in safeguarding high-level officials.