As a result of comprehensive operational-search measures carried out by law enforcement agencies in the fight against drug addiction and the illegal circulation of narcotic substances, a total of 7,170 criminal facts were detected. Among these, 2,228 were related to the illegal sale of narcotic substances, 4,736 to the illegal acquisition and possession of narcotic substances, 202 to the illegal cultivation of narcotic plants, and 4 were related to other crimes.

From the identified facts, a total of 5,092 kg and 868.748 grams of narcotic substances and psychotropic substances were confiscated, which included 471 kg and 204.959 grams of heroin, 4,178 kg and 838.75 grams of marijuana, 127 kg and 993.641 grams of opium, 30 kg and 959.401 grams of hashish, 164 kg and 202.097 grams of psychotropic substances, and 119 kg and 669.9 grams of other narcotic substances. Additionally, during the specified period, 14,768 methadone tablets, 12,621 cannabis plants, 44 grams, and 240 units of potent 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, the Ministry of Agriculture, the State Border Service, and other relevant agencies participated in the identification and destruction of 2,691,539 wild narcotic plants from an area of 1,265 hectares in accordance with established procedures. The total value of the 5,092 kg and 868.748 grams of narcotic substances and psychotropic substances removed from illegal circulation is estimated at 120 million 733 thousand AZN.

A total of 5,040 individuals have been held criminally responsible for offenses related to the illegal circulation of narcotics, including 1 individual aged 16-18, 367 individuals aged 18-25, 802 individuals aged 26-29, and 3,870 individuals aged 30 and older. Among these individuals, 4,881 were men and 159 were women. Of those held criminally responsible, 45 were foreign nationals. From these 45 foreign nationals, a total of 110 kg and 16 grams of various types of narcotic substances and psychotropic substances were seized.

Law enforcement agencies detected 176 facts related to the smuggling of narcotic substances and psychotropic substances into the country, resulting in the confiscation of a total weight of 1,697 kg and 218.848 grams of narcotic substances and psychotropic substances, 14,768 methadone tablets, 1,710 units, and 44 grams of potent substances. In total, 224 of the identified crimes were committed in groups, and from these facts, a total weight of 1,632 kg and 187.911 grams of narcotic substances, psychotropic substances, and 85 grams of potent substances were confiscated. Additionally, 2,092 criminal facts were committed by previously convicted individuals, from whom 1,512 kg and 792.4 grams of various types of narcotic substances and psychotropic substances were confiscated.

The analysis shows that compared to the period from January to August of the previous year, during the corresponding period in 2024, law enforcement agencies identified 428 cases related to the illegal circulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, 431 cases related to the illegal sale of narcotics, 58 cases of illegal cultivation of narcotic plants, 26 cases of other types of crimes, and 15 cases related to smuggling. The total weight of narcotics removed from illegal circulation was 711 kg 689.764 g, and the number of individuals held accountable decreased to 681. Additionally, there were 87 cases related to the illegal acquisition and possession of narcotics without the intent to sell, and the number of group crimes increased by 19 cases.

In comparison to the first eight months of 2023, the weight of powerful narcotic substances removed from illegal circulation in the corresponding period of 2024 decreased significantly, including heroin by 1 ton 251 kg 481.495 g (72.7%), opium by 108 kg 911.72 g (46%), hashish by 20 kg 029.443 g (39.3%), and psychotropic substances by 154 kg 539.312 g (48.5%). Among the various types of narcotics confiscated, marijuana accounted for 4 tons 178 kg 838.75 g (82%), with 3 tons 631 kg (86.9%) being of foreign origin, and 547 kg (13.1%) cultivated illegally within the country in greenhouses, basements, forest clearings, and riverbeds.

Under the organization of the Working Group of the State Commission, on April 16-17 of this year, the Destruction Commission made a decision to destroy 3 tons 430 kg of various narcotic substances and psychotropic drugs, as well as 60,189 methadone pills, 58,773 narcotic cannabis plants, and other narcotic items. Additionally, on July 22 of this year, 248 kg 293.151 g of various narcotic substances were destroyed by incineration based on a destruction order for 17 criminal cases held by the State Border and State Security Services.

In accordance with the law, in 31 cities and regions, 25 kg 614.781 g of various narcotic substances and psychotropic drugs, including 226 cannabis plants, were destroyed by burning based on 1,208 court orders. During the specified period, due to strengthened oversight, the destruction of material evidence in 17 criminal cases without a court order and the destruction of a significant amount of various narcotic substances in 9 cases were prevented.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan directed 57,406 individuals to the Republican Narcology Center for the identification of all types of intoxication. Among those who underwent medical examination for narcotic use, 1,913 individuals were tested, and 1,244 were identified as users, with necessary measures taken accordingly. Currently, 894 patients are receiving treatment under the methadone substitution therapy program at three centers (340 at the Republican Narcology Center, 402 at the AIDS Prevention Center, and 152 at the Sumgayit Narcology Center). According to the information provided by the AIDS Prevention Center, a decrease in new HIV infection cases among drug users has been observed. By the end of August of this year, among Azerbaijani citizens infected with HIV, 52 individuals (5.9%) were injection drug users.

During the period from January to August of this year, the "802" hotline received 1,280 citizen inquiries, of which 105 were related to the illegal circulation of narcotic substances, 92 to treatment for drug addiction, and 1,083 to other issues (repeated inquiries, explanations of legal provisions, procedures for compulsory treatment, etc.). Relevant authorities were sent 197 letters regarding these inquiries. Through the "802" hotline service, operational coordination with relevant organizations and citizens was ensured to prevent the spread of narcotics and drug addiction, leading to the initiation of criminal cases based on information about the illegal circulation of narcotics, the removal of significant amounts of narcotic substances from illegal circulation, and the referral of drug users to specialized medical institutions for treatment based on voluntary applications. Psychological support was also provided to families suffering from drug addiction, and necessary recommendations were given regarding the existing legal provisions.

During the reporting period, a total of 106 events (55 educational and organizational events, 40 trainings, 6 social projects, 1 marathon, and participation in 4 television programs) were organized with the involvement of relevant state agencies by the Working Group of the State Commission for the Fight Against Drug Addiction and the Illegal Circulation of Narcotic Drugs.

Permanent Working Group of the State Commission for Combating Drug Addiction and Illegal Trafficking in Narcotics