Russian Rapper Navai Detained at Kazakhstan Border on Suspicion of Drug Smuggling
Russian rapper Navai Bakirov has been detained at a checkpoint on the Kyrgyzstan–Kazakhstan border after drugs were reportedly found in his car. His concert in Astana, planned for October 14, has been postponed indefinitely.
Russian rapper Navai Bakirov, who performs as Navai, has been detained in Kazakhstan on suspicion of drug smuggling, according to police in the country's Zhambyl region. He was stopped at a border checkpoint while entering Kazakhstan from Kyrgyzstan, after drugs were found in his car. The rapper was taken to a temporary detention facility.
Navai had been scheduled to perform in Astana, Kazakhstan's capital, on October 14. The organizers announced that the concert was postponed indefinitely "for technical reasons."
What was found in the car
The news outlet Baza, citing checkpoint staff, reported that 10 grams of marijuana (about 0.35 ounces) was found in the vehicle. The rapper's manager and driver were also inside.
Who Navai is
Bakirov is best known as a member of HammAli & Navai, a duo performing in the "hookah rap" style that was active from 2016 to 2025. After the duo split, he started a solo career.
The source does not say whether criminal proceedings have been opened against the rapper or what his further legal status is.
