The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has conducted a series of special operations in Sumgait targeting illegal drug trafficking, resulting in the seizure of more than 34 kilograms of narcotics from illicit circulation.
According to official information provided by the ministry to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the coordinated efforts led to the dismantling of a local distribution network. During the initial phase of the operation, police detained 42-year-old Fariz Guliyev, a previously convicted individual, and his associate, 38-year-old Fuad Gurbanov. Authorities recovered 1.5 kilograms of heroin and the psychotropic substance methamphetamine from the suspects.
In subsequent raids, law enforcement officers apprehended 44-year-old Kamal Khudioglu, who has a prior criminal record, and seized 9.13 kilograms of marijuana. Another suspect, 26-year-old Jeyhun Babashov, was found in possession of 10 kilograms of marijuana and over 1 kilogram of opium. Additionally, 27-year-old Afsana Gasimova and 28-year-old Palvan Abaszade were detained with 13 kilograms of marijuana. Investigations revealed that the group planned to distribute the narcotics across various addresses in Sumgait. Criminal cases have been initiated, and the suspects have been remanded in custody by court order.
Drug trafficking remains a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies in Azerbaijan, which sits at a geographical crossroads between major production regions and European markets. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Security Service regularly conduct large-scale operations to prevent the transit and local sale of prohibited substances. These efforts are part of a broader national strategy to combat organized crime and protect public health within the Republic of Azerbaijan.
