Drug control in Azerbaijan: Analysis of the first two months of 2026
A total of 1,765 criminal facts were identified in Azerbaijan during January-February 2026 as part of the ongoing struggle against the illegal turnover of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the State Commission on Combating Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking released these official figures. According to the report, the crimes included 359 cases of illegal sale, 1,404 cases of illegal possession, and one case of illegal cultivation of narcotic plants, with one additional crime recorded in related categories.
Law enforcement agencies seized a total of 1 ton 780 kg 896 grams of narcotics and psychotropic substances, along with 300 tablets. The breakdown of the seized materials includes 1 ton 532 kg 668.1 grams of marijuana, 99 kg 071.1 grams of heroin, 32 kg 065.4 grams of opium, and 41 kg 067.1 grams of hashish, among other substances.
Value of seized drugs and perpetrator statistics
The total market value of 893 kg 456.6 grams of the seized substances is estimated at approximately 47.855 million AZN. During this period, 529 individuals were brought to criminal responsibility, consisting of 515 men and 14 women. Among those detained were eight foreign citizens, from whom 110 kg 798.3 grams of various narcotics were confiscated.
Authorities also uncovered 32 facts related to the smuggling of drugs into Azerbaijan, resulting in the seizure of 479 kg 764 grams of narcotics. Additionally, 32 crimes were committed by organized groups, involving the seizure of 345 kg 240.3 grams of illicit substances.
Comparative analysis and rehabilitation efforts
Compared to the same period in 2025, the total number of detected facts in 2026 increased by 244. While the total weight of seized drugs rose by 319 kg 648.7 grams, there was a decrease in smuggling cases (down by 6), group crimes (down by 7), and the number of foreign nationals involved (down by 9). Notably, marijuana accounted for 86% of all seizures, with 82.6% of it originating from abroad and 17.3% cultivated illegally within Azerbaijan in greenhouses, basements, and forest areas.
In terms of disposal and treatment, 858 kg 620.8 grams of drugs and over 22,000 tablets were destroyed by fire on January 30 following court orders. Currently, 707 patients are enrolled in methadone substitution treatment programs across three centers in Azerbaijan, including the Republican Narcological Center and facilities in Sumgait.
Drug trafficking remains a global challenge, and Azerbaijan continues to strengthen its border security and internal investigative capabilities to combat the transit of illicit substances. The State Commission regularly coordinates with international partners to align Azerbaijan's anti-drug strategies with global standards, emphasizing both law enforcement and social rehabilitation for affected individuals.
