Rapper Navai detained in Kazakhstan in drug-smuggling investigation

Kazakh police have detained rapper Navai, whose real name is Navai Bakirov, on suspicion of attempted drug smuggling, the Zhambyl regional police department said on October 14.

According to regional police, Bakirov was detained while entering Kazakhstan on October 13. Police officers and the border service of Kazakhstan's National Security Committee took part in the operation.

Police said they found and seized a narcotic substance during an inspection of the vehicle in which he was travelling. A criminal case has been opened and the suspect placed in a temporary detention facility. A pretrial investigation is under way.

Born in Samara, Bakirov became known as part of the duo HammAli & Navai. Their songs include Ptichka, Devochka — Voyna and Pustite Menya na Tantspol.