During searches, powdered substances were found with the detainee, who was born in 1986. The police confirmed that a medical examination showed evidence of drug use. Investigative actions are ongoing, and law enforcement agencies are working to establish all participants in this case and the circumstances of the illegal activities.
Iakov Vorontsov previously held the position of hieromonk in the Astana and Almaty dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church. In 2023, he became known after criticizing Russia's special military operation in Ukraine and the leadership of the Russian Orthodox Church, which ultimately led to his prohibition from ministry and defrocking. A case was also initiated against him under the article on inciting hatred, but the investigation was closed due to lack of evidence of a crime.
In recent years, Vorontsov has actively tried to establish an Orthodox Church in Kazakhstan, independent of the Moscow Patriarchate. He has applied twice to the Ministry of Justice for the registration of his religious organization, but both times he was denied. Recently, it became known that he has challenged this decision in court.
