Border alarm triggers drug seizure, arrest of two suspects in Azerbaijan’s Horadiz

The State Border Service of Azerbaijan has confirmed the detention of two individuals and the seizure of a significant quantity of narcotics following a security alert near the “Horadiz” border detachment.

The incident occurred on April 18, when a suspicious vehicle — a VAZ-2106 bearing state registration number 10-ER-545 — was discovered abandoned within the operational area of the border post, the State Border Service told Caliber.Az.

The vehicle was found with no driver or passengers in sight, prompting immediate defensive measures.

In response to the potential security threat, border personnel were mobilized under the command “To arms.” The perimeter was secured, and a coordinated search operation was launched, which included aerial surveillance conducted via unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

Shortly thereafter, two individuals identified as residents of the Aghdam district — Taleh Mammadov (born 1989) and Ahad Ismayilov (born 1991) — were apprehended while approaching the abandoned vehicle. Both men were carrying baggage at the time of their detention.

Upon inspection, authorities discovered and confiscated approximately 5.8 kilograms of marijuana concealed within their belongings. The narcotics were seized as evidence, and both suspects were taken into custody.

The State Border Service has launched operative and investigative measures to determine the full scope of the incident, including possible cross-border narcotics trafficking or links to broader criminal networks. 

By Vafa Guliyeva