June border sweep in Azerbaijan: 21 detained, 6 drones intercepted PHOTO

The State Border Service (SBS) of Azerbaijan intercepted six unmanned aerial vehicles in June 2026 as part of a broader campaign against smuggling, illegal migration, and cross-border crime, according to official figures.

According to SBS, a total of 21 people were detained during the month for violating the state border, including eight Azerbaijani nationals. Those apprehended also included citizens of Iran, Afghanistan and Nigeria.

In a separate set of incidents, eight individuals were detained while attempting to cross the border using forged passports and other people’s identification documents. A further 25 people were held for breaching border regime regulations.

Authorities also reported the detention of 330 individuals who were on wanted lists and subsequently handed over to relevant law enforcement bodies. During the same period, the SBS prevented 825 individuals under travel bans from leaving the country and denied entry to 32 people barred from entering Azerbaijan.

Six drones were intercepted over the reporting period, though officials did not provide additional details on their origin or intended use.

On narcotics enforcement, authorities said 229 kilograms and 974 grams of various drugs, along with 9,200 psychotropic tablets, were seized from illegal circulation.

In anti-smuggling operations, goods valued at 4.83 million manats ($ 2.8 million) were confiscated, including pharmaceuticals, alcohol, tobacco products and other contraband, the SBS added.

By Aghakazim Guliyev