In Pavlodar, staff of Institution No. 44 organized a preventive video conference for students of Pavlodar Technological College. The main focus of the meeting was preventing drug-related crime among young people and raising awareness of the risks of being drawn into illegal drug trafficking under the guise of easy money.
Instead of a traditional lecture, the organizers chose an open dialogue format, allowing students to explore the issue through real-life experiences.
During the video conference, a person convicted of drug distribution spoke directly to the students. He candidly described his decision to pursue quick money as a drug courier, commonly known as a “stash placer,” and explained how that choice changed his life. While serving his prison sentence, he suffered a devastating loss: his mother passed away, and he was unable to be by her side because he was incarcerated.
His story served as a powerful reminder that the consequences of drug-related crime affect not only offenders themselves but also their families. Behind promises of easy money often lie years of imprisonment, separation from loved ones, and lost opportunities.
Another important part of the meeting was the candid account of a senior college student, who shared his personal experience of being approached and targeted for recruitment by individuals associated with illegal online drug shops. According to the student, recruiters lure young people with promises of quick and seemingly safe earnings, disguising illegal activities as ordinary employment.
He urged his peers to treat such offers with caution, avoid suspicious online conversations, and refuse questionable job opportunities.
During the meeting, Institution No. 44 staff also explained the provisions of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan concerning liability for the illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs.
The main objective of such meetings is not only to warn young people about criminal liability but also to help them recognize danger in time, resist promises of easy money, and make informed choices in favor of a lawful future. After all, the consequences of a single reckless decision can be far more serious than they may initially seem.
