Popular rapper Navai detained with drugs upon entering Kazakhstan
Russian rapper Navai (Navai Bakirov) was detained on October 13 at the Kazakh border checkpoint "Kordai" on the border with Kyrgyzstan upon entering the country. He is suspected of attempting to smuggle drugs. After his arrest, the artist was placed in a temporary detention facility, writes Kazinform.
Navai Bakirov
According to police, during a check of the car in which the musician was traveling, a narcotic substance was found and confiscated. Law enforcement officials did not specify what substance or in what quantity the rapper was transporting.
A criminal case has been initiated on suspicion of attempted drug smuggling. A pre-trial investigation is underway. Police are not disclosing further details, citing Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Kazakhstan.
Navai Bakirov gained fame as a member of the Russian musical duo HammAli & Navai, as well as a solo artist. Among his popular songs are "Let Me on the Dance Floor," "Hide-and-Seek," and "Girl-War."
In May 2026, the rapper was involved in an accident in the center of Moscow. A black Ferrari without license plates, in which he was, crashed into a traffic light on the boulevard. No one was injured, and the musician was released after questioning.