Baku: In the first six months of this year, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in collaboration with representatives from other relevant agencies, identified and destroyed 2,269,742 wild narcotic plants weighing a total of 152 tons 391 kg across a 570-hectare area, as reported by the Permanent Working Group of the State Commission for Combating Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the total value of 4 tons 290 kg 046.798 grams of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances removed from illegal circulation is estimated to be 109,706,109 AZN. A total of 2,838 individuals faced criminal charges for illegal drug trafficking, consisting of 2,745 men and 93 women. Among these individuals, 52 foreign nationals were apprehended with 722 kg 214.275 grams of various types of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, along with 198.217 grams of cannabis plants.
Law enforcement agencies reported 120 cases of smuggling narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances into Azerbaijan. From these incidents, authorities seized a total of 1 ton 627 kg 670.598 grams of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, in addition to 5,183 methadone tablets and 13,194 tablets of strong-acting substances.
Overall, the crimes detected were conducted by 140 groups, leading to the confiscation of 1 ton 289 kg 131.353 grams of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Additionally, 1,308 crimes were committed by individuals with prior convictions, resulting in the seizure of 973 kg 750.99 grams of various narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.