Kazakhstan to seek police information on detained rapper Navai after Russian note

Kazakhstan's Foreign Ministry will ask law enforcement agencies for information about detained Russian rapper Navai and his whereabouts after receiving a Russian diplomatic note, ministry spokesman Zhanbolat Usenov told RIA Novosti on October 16.

Russia's Consulate General in Almaty sent the note on October 15. Usenov confirmed its receipt and described requests for information on detained Russian citizens as standard consular practice.

According to police in Zhambyl region, officers detained the musician at the Korday border checkpoint on October 13 as he entered Kazakhstan. Police said a narcotic substance was found and seized during a vehicle search.

Korday District Court ordered the rapper held in custody on October 15. Regional police said the investigation concerns suspected smuggling and unlawful drug possession.

Navai, whose real name is Navai Bakirov, was born in Samara and became known as a member of the duo HammAli & Navai.