The results of the fight against drug addiction and illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors during January-October 2024 were comparatively analyzed and summarized by the Permanent Working Group of the State Commission.

As a result of the complex operational-search measures carried out by law enforcement agencies in the field of combating drug addiction and illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, a total of 8108 criminal facts were revealed. Of these, 2577 were related to the illegal sale of narcotic drugs, 5299 were related to the illegal acquisition and storage of narcotic drugs, 226 were related to the illegal cultivation of narcotic plants, and 6 were related to other crimes.

According to the facts revealed, a total of 6 tons 061 kg 819,096 grams of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances were confiscated from illegal circulation, of which 512 kg 164,959 grams were heroin, 5 tons 008 kg 382,751 grams were marijuana, 154 kg 257,47 grams were opium, 38 kg 852,443 grams were hashish, 191 kg 744,959 grams were psychotropic substances, and 156 kg 416,514 grams were other narcotic drugs. Also, during the indicated period, 37,317 units of methadone, 15,272 units of hemp, 44 grams and 240 units of pills of a potent substance, and 10 grams of precursor were seized from illegal circulation.

During the reporting period, 2,864,953 wild narcotic plants were identified and destroyed in an area of ​​1,439.6 hectares, organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, with the participation of representatives of 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.

The total value of 6 tons 061 kg 819,096 grams of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances removed from illegal circulation is estimated at 145 million 389 thousand AZN.

6,247 people were brought to criminal responsibility in connection with illegal drug trafficking, of which 1 person was under 16-18 years old, 463 people were under 18-25 years old, 2 people were under 20-25 years old, 946 people were under 26-29 years old, and 4,835 people were 30 years old and older. Of these individuals, 6066 were men and 181 were women.

A total of 201 kg 615,722 grams of various types of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances were seized from 56 foreign citizens who were held accountable.

Law enforcement agencies revealed 219 facts related to the smuggling of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances into the country, and a total weight of 2 tons 254 kg 607,596 grams of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, 37,317 methadone pills, 1,710 and 44 grams of a potent substance were seized from illegal circulation.

In total, 280 of the detected crimes were committed in groups, and a total weight of 2 tons 133 kg 174,251 grams and 13,220 methadone pills, narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and 85.3 grams of a potent substance were seized from illegal circulation.

2653 criminal facts were committed by previously convicted persons, of which 1 ton 809 kg 573.4 g of various types of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances were confiscated.

Compared to the same period of the previous year, during January-October 2024, the number of cases detected by law enforcement agencies related to the illegal trafficking of narcotic substances and psychotropic substances decreased by 1,184, including cases related to the illegal sale of narcotics decreased by 482,cases involving the illegal acquisition and possession of narcotics without the intent to sell decreased by 611,cases involving the illegal cultivation of drug-containing plants decreased by 67,other types of criminal cases decreased by 24,smuggling-related criminal cases decreased by 24,

the total weight of narcotics seized from illegal circulation decreased by 479 kilograms 781.116 grams,the number of individuals held accountable decreased by 843.However, the number of group-related crimes increased by 9 cases.

Compared to the 10 months of 2023, the weight of strong drugs removed from illegal circulation during the corresponding period of 2024, including heroin, decreased by 1 ton 371 kg 953.45 g (72.8%), opium by 102 kg 294.165 g (39.9%), hashish by 14 kg 601.551 g (27.3%), cocaine by 750.831 g (100%), and psychotropic substances by 196 kg 742.687 g (50.7%).

Of the various types of drugs confiscated, 5 tons 008 kg 382,751 grams (82.6%) were marijuana. Of this, 4 tons 360 kg (87%) were of foreign origin enriched with substances. 648 kg (13%) were illegally cultivated in greenhouses, basements, forest lowlands, and river beds throughout the country, depending on climatic conditions.

On April 16-17 of this year, under the organization of the Working Group of the State Commission, the Commission for the Destruction of Confiscated Narcotics, Psychotropic Substances and Their Precursors destroyed 3 tons 430 kg of various types of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, 60,189 methadone pills, 58,773 pieces of narcotic hemp plants, as well as 3,477 pills, 19,341 capsules, 24 vials, 4 ampoules, 81,446 grams of potent substances, and 248 kg 293,151 grams of various types of narcotic drugs, which were subject to destruction orders under 17 criminal cases, and were kept in the State Border and State Security Services on July 22 of this year.

Also, in 39 regions and cities, various types of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, including hemp plants, were destroyed by burning by regional and city commissions in accordance with the legislation, in accordance with 1719 verdicts and decisions, confiscated in small and large quantities.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan referred 74,625 people to the Republican Narcology Center of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan to determine all types of intoxication. Out of 2,545 of them, 1,635 were determined to be users and necessary measures were taken in this regard.

Currently, 866 patients are receiving treatment under the methadone substitution treatment program in 3 locations (331 in the Republican Narcology Center, 386 in the AIDS Control Center, and 149 in the Sumgayit Narcology Center).

According to the information provided by the Republican Center for Combating AIDS, a decrease in the number of new cases of infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus among drug addicts is observed in the country. By the end of October of this year, 58 people (5.7%) among the citizens of Azerbaijan infected with HIV were injection drug users.

During January-October of the current year, the "802" hotline service received 1,542 citizen inquiries, of which 139 were related to the illegal trafficking of narcotic substances,108 were regarding treatment for drug addiction,1,295 were related to other issues (repeat inquiries, explanations of legislative provisions, procedures for compulsory treatment, etc.).In response to these inquiries, 247 letters were sent to the relevant authorities to ensure appropriate measures were taken.

In order to prevent the spread of drugs and drug addiction, operational coordination with relevant organizations and citizens was ensured through the 802 hotline service. Based on the information provided on the illegal trafficking of drugs, relevant criminal cases were initiated and a large amount of drugs were seized from illegal trafficking. Drug users were referred for treatment in specialized medical institutions based on their voluntary applications, and psychological support and necessary recommendations were provided to families suffering from drug addiction, explaining the provisions of the current legislation.

During the reporting period, a total of 147 events (69 enlightenment and organizational events, 66 trainings, 6 social projects, 1 intellectual competition, 1 marathon and participation in 4 TV programs) were organized by the Working Group of the State Commission with the involvement of relevant state agencies.

Permanent Working Group of the State Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and Illicit Trafficking of Narcotics