Central Asia braces for war on synthetic drugs

Data on the seizure of synthetic drugs in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan point to an unmistakeable trend. Trafficking and consumption are surging, and the authorities appear at a loss to stem the tide.

An Air Astana pilot was heading to western Kazakhstan earlier this week when he was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of drugs.

The good news, his employer said later in a statement, was that he was not going to fly the plane. He was just a passenger.

According to news outlet CMN.kz, the 31-year-old was travelling from Almaty to the city …