Azerbaijan's State Border Service makes major strides against smuggling, narcotics PHOTO

In February 2025, Azerbaijan’s State Border Service continued its vigilant efforts to secure the country’s borders and combat smuggling, illegal migration, and narcotic trafficking.

According to an official report by the service, 30 individuals were detained for violating the state border during the month. Among those detained were 8 Azerbaijani citizens, 10 citizens of Pakistan, 6 from Iran, 4 from Morocco, and one each from Afghanistan and Algeria, Caliber.Az reports.

Additionally, 9 individuals were arrested while attempting to cross the border with falsified passports and fraudulent documents. In total, 779 people were detained for breaching border regulations, with appropriate actions taken against them.

The Border Service also made significant strides in addressing crime within the country. A total of 298 wanted individuals were apprehended and handed over to the relevant authorities. Furthermore, 397 people who were prohibited from leaving the country were stopped at border checkpoints, while 15 individuals barred from entering Azerbaijan were prevented from doing so.

In efforts to curb the illicit trafficking of narcotics, the Border Service seized a significant quantity of illegal substances, including 155 kg 193 g of various narcotic drugs, 191 psychotropic pills, and 105 liters of narcotic-related substances.

The SBGS also continued its crackdown on smuggling activities, discovering and seizing contraband worth a total of 16,7 million manats ($9,8 million). This included a range of illegal items such as weapons, medicines, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco products.

These efforts demonstrate Azerbaijan’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its border security and combating illegal activities that threaten national safety and security.

By Vafa Guliyeva