Drug haul in Azerbaijan tops 6 tons as authorities step up crackdown

Azerbaijani authorities seized more than 6.2 tons of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances worth an estimated 187.2 million manats ($110 million) from illegal circulation during the first seven months of 2026.

The State Commission on Combating Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking said that 6,2 tons of narcotic and psychotropic substances were seized in January-July, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The amount of narcotic substances seized during the reporting period was 13,3 kilograms, or 9.7%, lower than in the same period of 2025.

Authorities identified 4,963 drug-related crimes during comprehensive operational and investigative measures. Of these, 1,250 cases involved illegal drug trafficking, while 3,613 concerned the illegal acquisition and possession of narcotics. Another 97 cases involved the illegal cultivation of narcotic plants, while three were classified as other drug-related offenses.

The seized substances included 5,3 tons of marijuana, 257,7 kilograms of heroin, 124,9 kilograms of opium, 247,6 kilograms of hashish, 125,5 kilograms of other narcotic substances, and 161,1 kilograms of psychotropic substances.

Authorities also seized 34,983 methadone tablets, 12,715 cannabis plants, 29 psychotropic tablets, 4.5 grams and 276 units of potent substances, and 970.1 grams of toxic substances.

Meanwhile, operations coordinated by the Interior Ministry and involving representatives of relevant agencies covered 1,167.2 hectares during the reporting period. Authorities identified and destroyed 3,960,601 naturally growing narcotic plants with a combined weight of 327 tons and 716 kilograms.

By Vafa Guliyeva