During the period from January to July 2024, the results of the fight against drug addiction and the illegal trafficking of narcotic substances, psychotropic substances, and their precursors were analyzed and summarized comparably by the Permanent Working Group of the State Commission.

As a result of comprehensive operational-search measures carried out by law enforcement agencies in the fight against drug addiction and the illegal trafficking of narcotics, a total of 6,458 criminal facts were identified. Among these, 1,974 were related to the illegal sale of narcotic substances, 4,313 to the illegal acquisition and possession of narcotics, 168 to the illegal cultivation and processing of narcotic plants, and 3 to other crimes.

With respect to the identified cases, a total of 4 tons, 299 kg, and 831.849 g of narcotic substances and psychotropic substances were confiscated from illegal trafficking, including 443 kg, 879.659 g of heroin, 3 tons, 477 kg, and 782.82 g of marijuana, 103 kg, 273.041 g of opium, 29 kg, 400.501 g of hashish, 137 kg, 768.528 g of psychotropic substances, and 107 kg, 727.3 g of other narcotic substances. Additionally, during this period, 13,568 methadone tablets, 7,902 cannabis plants, 637 g of strong-acting substances, and 2 kg, 174.5 g of toxic substances were seized from illegal circulation.

During the reporting period, under the organization of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, representatives from the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the State Border Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and other relevant agencies participated in identifying and destructing 2,689,257 wild narcotic plants from an area of 1,043.7 hectares in accordance with the established procedures.

The overall value of the 4 tons, 299 kg, and 831.849 g of narcotic substances and psychotropic substances taken out of illegal circulation is estimated at 115 million 733 thousand AZN.

A total of 4,400 individuals have been held criminally responsible for the illegal trafficking of narcotics. Among them, 1 person is aged between 16-18, 332 individuals are aged between 18-25, 707 are aged between 26-29, and 3,360 are aged 30 and above. Of these individuals, 4,265 are men and 135 are women. Additionally, 43 individuals held criminally responsible are foreign citizens.

From the 43 foreign citizens arrested, a total of 110 kg and 15 g of various types of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances have been seized.

Law enforcement agencies detected 157 cases related to the smuggling of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances into the country. In these cases, a total of 1 ton, 524 kg, and 132.349 g of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, 13,568 methadone tablets, and 1,470 units of potent substances were seized from illegal circulation.

In total, 199 of the crimes detected were committed in groups, leading to the confiscation of 1 ton, 303 kg, and 877.511 g of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and 85 g of potent substances. Furthermore, 1,780 crimes were committed by previously convicted individuals, resulting in the confiscation of 1 ton, 344 kg, and 818.1 g of various types of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Analysis shows that compared to the period from January to July of the previous year, in the corresponding period of 2024, the number of cases detected by law enforcement agencies related to the illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances has decreased by 238, while the number of cases related to the illegal sale of narcotics has declined by 361. The number of cases involving the illegal cultivation of narcotic plants has decreased by 51, and other types of criminal cases have decreased by 27, with 8 cases related to smuggling. The total weight of narcotic drugs removed from illegal circulation is 842 kg, 086.85 g, and the number of individuals held criminally responsible has decreased by 595.

At the same time, the number of cases related to the illegal acquisition and possession of narcotics without the purpose of sale has increased by 201, while the number of group crimes has increased by 31.

Compared to the first seven months of 2023, there has been a significant reduction in the weight of narcotic substances, particularly heroin, seized from illegal circulation during the corresponding period of 2024. Specifically, the weight of heroin is down by 1 ton 154 kg 736.72 g (72.2%), the weight of opium is down by 118 kg 590.92 g (53.4%), the weight of hashish is down by 21 kg 585.601 g (42.3%), and the weight of psychotropic substances is down by 166 kg 922.111 g (60.8%).

Under the organization of the Working Group of the State Commission, on April 16-17 of this year, a total of 3 tons 430 kg of various narcotic substances and psychotropic materials that had been seized and subject to a destruction order issued by the Destruction Commission under 1,741 court rulings were destroyed. This included 60,189 methadone pills, 58,773 plants with narcotic properties, as well as 3,477 pills, 19,341 capsules, 24 vials, 4 ampoules, and 81.446 grams of strong psychoactive substances. Additionally, on July 22 of this year, 248 kg 293.151 g of various narcotic substances subject to destruction orders for 17 criminal cases held by the State Border and State Security Services were also destroyed by incineration.

Moreover, in accordance with legislation, 29 kg 430.512 g of various narcotic substances and psychotropic materials, including 226 cannabis plants, were destroyed by incineration based on 1,316 court rulings in 36 cities and regions. As a result of strengthening oversight during the indicated period, in some cities and regions, there were cases where material evidence was destroyed without a court ruling for 17 criminal cases, and the destruction of significant amounts of various narcotic substances under 9 rulings was prevented.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan directed 49,154 individuals to the Republican Narcological Center of the Ministry of Health for the determination of various intoxication cases. Among them, 1,609 individuals were medically examined to ascertain drug use, with 1,063 identified as users, ensuring that necessary measures were taken in this regard.

According to data from the Republic AIDS Prevention Center, there has been a decrease in the number of new HIV infections among drug addicts in the country. In the past seven months, 799 individuals tested positive for HIV, of which 786 were Azerbaijani citizens and 13 were foreigners. Among Azerbaijani citizens, 43 people (5.4%) were identified as intravenous drug users.

Between January and July of this year, the hot line service "802" received 1,016 calls from citizens, of which 84 were related to the illegal circulation of narcotic substances, 83 to treatment for drug addiction, and 849 to other issues (repeat inquiries, clarifications about legislative provisions, procedures related to compulsory treatment, etc.). Relevant authorities received 167 letters addressing the inquiries made.

Through the 802 hotline service, aimed at preventing the spread of drugs and drug addiction, coordination with relevant organizations and citizens has been ensured in an operational manner. Based on the information provided regarding the illegal trafficking of narcotic substances, appropriate criminal cases have been initiated, a significant amount of illegal drugs has been confiscated, and drug users have been directed to specialized medical institutions for treatment based on voluntary applications. Psychological support has been provided to families suffering from drug addiction, and necessary recommendations have been given by explaining the provisions of the existing legislation.

During the reporting period, under the organization of the Working Group of the State Commission, a total of 89 events have been organized involving relevant state institutions (55 educational and organizational events, 24 trainings, 6 social projects, 1 marathon, and participation in 3 television programs).

This is the ongoing Working Group of the State Commission for the Fight Against Drug Addiction and the Illegal Trafficking of Narcotic Substances.