Azerbaijan seizes 101 kg of marijuana hidden in cargo vehicle en route from Iran to Russia

A significant drug seizure occurred at the "Astara" customs checkpoint, where authorities discovered a large shipment of marijuana hidden inside a cargo vehicle, disguised as salad.

According to the Press and Public Relations Department of Azerbaijan's State Customs Committee (SCC), the vehicle was en route from Iran to Russia, transiting through Azerbaijan. It was stopped for inspection at the import control line of the "Astara" customs post, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Suspicion arose when stationary X-ray equipment detected unusual shapes inside the cargo. Following the discovery, customs officers conducted a detailed inspection with the help of a service dog.

The search revealed 264 packages of marijuana concealed within the vehicle, totaling 101 kilograms and 732 grams of the illegal substance.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, with efforts to trace the origins and intended destination of the drugs.

For the record, Azerbaijan has been actively enhancing its border security in recent years, focusing on combating illegal migration, smuggling, narcotic trafficking, and ensuring national security. The State Border Service (SBGS) plays a crucial role in these efforts, working to maintain stringent control over the country’s borders. 

For example, the data for February 2025 shows the SBGS detained 30 individuals for border violations, including 8 Azerbaijani citizens, 10 citizens of Pakistan, 6 from Iran, 4 from Morocco, and one each from Afghanistan and Algeria. Additionally, 9 individuals were arrested for attempting to cross the border using falsified documents. Overall, 779 individuals were detained during the month for breaching border rules.

In its broader efforts to address criminal activity, the Border Service apprehended 298 wanted individuals, ensuring they were handed over to the relevant authorities. The SBGS also successfully prevented 397 people prohibited from leaving the country from doing so, and stopped 15 individuals who were barred from entering Azerbaijan.

The Service’s actions extended to combating the illegal trafficking of narcotics. In February, a total of 155 kg 193 g of various narcotic drugs, 191 psychotropic pills, and 105 liters of narcotic-related substances were seized.

Furthermore, the SBGS continued its battle against smuggling, with an impressive total of contraband worth 16.7 million manats ($9.8 million) seized. The haul included illegal weapons, medicines, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco products.

By Khagan Isayev