In the first six months of 2026, law enforcement agencies in Azerbaijan seized more than five tons of narcotics, according to the latest report from the State Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and Illegal Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports that authorities conducted comprehensive operational-search measures, resulting in the detection of 4,434 criminal cases related to drug offenses. These included 1,091 cases of illegal drug sales, 3,266 cases of illegal possession, and 75 cases involving the illegal cultivation of drug-containing plants.
The seized substances, valued at approximately 166 million AZN, included 4.69 tons of marijuana, 236 kg of heroin, 104 kg of opium, and 240 kg of hashish, along with significant quantities of psychotropic substances and methadone pills. Authorities also noted that 2,848 individuals were held criminally liable for drug-related offenses during this period.
The State Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and Illegal Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs plays a pivotal role in coordinating the efforts of various government bodies, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Security Service, to curb drug-related crime. These efforts are part of a broader national strategy in Azerbaijan to combat illicit drug trafficking, which includes not only law enforcement operations but also public awareness campaigns and rehabilitation programs for those affected by substance abuse.
During the reporting period, authorities successfully destroyed over six tons of narcotics and psychotropic substances in accordance with 1,471 court rulings. Furthermore, the Ministry of Internal Affairs continues to monitor public health, having referred over 46,000 individuals for medical examinations to identify substance use, with 1,580 individuals confirmed as drug users and subsequently placed under appropriate care or legal measures.
