Iranian nationals stand trial in Azerbaijan for drug smuggling operation via Caspian Sea

A high-profile criminal trial has commenced in Azerbaijan involving six Iranian nationals accused of attempting to smuggle a substantial quantity of narcotics into the country via the Caspian Sea.

According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, the accused individuals allegedly orchestrated an illicit maritime operation, during which they unlawfully crossed Azerbaijan’s protected state border under the cover of night between February 2 and 3, 2025. The suspects reportedly entered Azerbaijani territorial waters in two separate groups using small motorboats, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

The operation was intercepted by Azerbaijani law enforcement agencies during a joint special mission conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Border Service. The arrests took place near the Shah Deniz gas field and in the maritime area off the coast of Sumgayit.

A thorough search of the vessels led to the seizure of a significant cache of narcotics, including 11 kilograms and 25 grams of marijuana, 1 kilogram and 370 grams of heroin, as well as 170 grams of methadone—equivalent to 4,400 tablets.

The defendants face serious charges under the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan. These include smuggling (Article 206.4), large-scale illegal trafficking of narcotic substances (Article 234.4.1), and illegal crossing of the state border (Article 318.2).

Given the severity of the offenses, the case has been transferred to the Sumgayit Court on Grave Crimes for adjudication. If convicted, the accused could face lengthy prison sentences under Azerbaijani law.

By Vafa Guliyeva