Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has signed a new law introducing stricter penalties for drug-related offenses, according to the Kabar news agency. The legislation, adopted by the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament) on April 10, 2025, brings significant amendments to the country’s Criminal Code.
The law aims to reduce corruption-prone mechanisms within criminal law enforcement and prevent the abuse of discretionary powers by public officials.
Key changes include:
- Abolishing the statute of limitations for drug manufacturing and distribution crimes involving narcotic and psychotropic substances or their analogues;
- Eliminating early parole for those convicted of such offenses;
- Replacing life imprisonment with a 20-year prison sentence if the statute of limitations cannot be applied due to the gravity of the crime.
Authorities believe these measures will strengthen legal deterrence and close legal loopholes previously exploited in drug-related cases.
