AlES: “No drugs” roundtable

Youth organization “ZharkynBolashak” and the management of AlES JSC discussed the issues of production safety and measures to combat drug addiction

Round table “No drugs”, organized with the participation of Youth Organization “Zharkyn Bolashak” of AlES JSC, has become a platform for open dialogue on two key issues: detection of drug use among employees and minimization of risks from dishonest contractors. Rymgali Donenbayev, Head of the Safety Department, made an introduction, noting that work in this area is focused not on punishment, but on rescuing people and preventing accidents.

– A drug affected employee is a threat not only to himself, but also to the whole team. In this state, a person can provoke a technological accident, leaving city residents, social facilities – schools, hospitals, kindergartens – without heat and power. Our task is to help, not to punish, emphasized R.Donenbayev.

Abzal Toltayev, chief specialist of the Security Directorate, cited alarming data:

– there are 200 thousand drug addicts in Kazakhstan, while only 18 thousand are officially registered.
– One ton of drugs, including heroin, marijuana and synthetic substances, was seized in 2024.
– In Almaty, 19 per cent of young people are at risk, and in January 2025, 1,257 drug websites and 76 social media channels were blocked.

How do drugs find their way into production? Timur Ospanov, Chief Specialist of the Security Department said: there are recorded cases of use, but the company relies on rehabilitation rather than dismissals.

– We ask you to be eyes and ears in the field. Your anonymity is guaranteed, he addressed the representatives of Zharkyn Bolashak.

The roundtable participants suggested:

– to place info screens at checkpoints with data on the harm of drugs;
– Include drug tests in annual medical examinations;
– Create propaganda videos and flash mobs;
– use the video monitoring system at checkpoints to detect suspicious behaviour.

Ruslan Shoibek, Head of Human Resources, urged his colleagues to be vigilant: “We are the future of the company. Let’s not let drugs steal our lives and careers”.

Rymgali Donenbaev raised a second critical topic – falsification of work by contractors, which leads to accidents and financial losses.

– We invest billions in improving labor conditions. We cannot allow contractors to negate these efforts, he said.

According to the decision of the round table there will be: developed an algorithm for informing about drug use, implemented checks of contractors, added drug tests to medical examinations, etc.

The round table showed: the struggle against drug addiction and dishonest contractors requires common efforts. AlES JSC relies on prevention, technology and trust in young people.

P.S. For employees: if you are faced with the problem of drug addiction or violations on the part of contractors – remember: your voice can save lives. Contact the Security Department anonymously.