Azerbaijani border guards intercept drone smuggling cannabis from Iran Photo

On March 29, Azerbaijani border guards successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle drugs from Iran into Azerbaijan using a drone, according to the State Border Service.

The operation took place near "Goytapa" border detachment, where authorities intercepted a drone carrying 460 grams of cannabis, Caliber.Az reports.

The authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, a major police operation targeting members of a transnational organised crime group involved in drug smuggling has led to the arrest of two individuals in Azerbaijan. The suspects, identified as 26-year-old Hadi Fashikhi and 29-year-old Rza Atayi, both of Iranian nationality, were detained in the Yardimli region.

Authorities seized a substantial quantity of illicit drugs, including 36 kilograms of marijuana laced with psychotropic substances, as well as heroin and methamphetamine. The operation is part of an ongoing crackdown against drug trafficking networks operating across the country.

According to a statement from Azerbaijan's Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), a criminal case has been launched against the suspects. The court has ordered that both individuals remain in custody while investigations continue.

The Azerbaijani police have confirmed that operations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal group and individuals connected to their activities across Azerbaijan.

By Aghakazim Guliyev