Border security efforts in Azerbaijan lead to seizure of drugs, weapons, smuggled goods PHOTO

In January 2025, Azerbaijan's State Border Service continued its efforts to ensure robust border security, combat smuggling, illegal migration, and the illicit drug trade.

Some 30 individuals were detained for violating the state border during the month. Among those detained, 9 were Azerbaijani citizens, 18 were from Pakistan, 2 were from Iran, and 1 was from Uzbekistan, the State Border Service told Caliber.Az.

Moreover, eight individuals were detained while attempting to cross the state border with falsified passports and forged documents. A total of 898 people were arrested for violating border regulations, with appropriate measures taken against them.

As part of efforts to combat crime, 288 individuals wanted by law enforcement agencies were apprehended and handed over to the relevant organisations. Some 444 people who were prohibited from leaving the country were stopped from departing, while 21 individuals who were banned from entering Azerbaijan were prevented from doing so. 

Some 167 kg 336 g of various narcotics and 16,867 psychotropic tablets were seized as part of the fight against illegal drug trafficking. As part of anti-smuggling operations, weapons, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products worth a total of 3,242,178 manats ($1,907,163) were discovered and confiscated.

By Naila Huseynova