Azerbaijan Reports Decrease in Criminal Cases Related to Drug Trafficking

According to recent data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Statistics Committee, Azerbaijan experienced a notable shift in its criminal landscape during the first half of 2024. Of the 18,518 criminal cases registered from January to June, 5,674 cases—or 30.6%—were linked to illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. This represents a 3.6% decrease compared to the same period in the previous year.

The majority of drug-related crimes, 67.1%, involved the illegal production, shipment, or sale of these substances. Additionally, 2.0% were related to the illegal cultivation of narcotic plants, 0.8% involved the illegal circulation of toxic substances, and 0.1% were classified under other drug-related crimes.

During this period, authorities identified 3,856 individuals connected to drug trafficking offenses. Notably, 34.8% of these individuals had prior criminal records. Of those apprehended, 98.9% faced criminal charges, while 1.1% were exempt from liability under existing legislation.

Demographically, 67.8% of those involved in drug-related crimes were of working age, predominantly unemployed and uneducated. Women accounted for 3.1% of the perpetrators, and 0.6% were foreign nationals. Age distribution showed that 7.6% were aged 24 or younger, 15.9% were between 25 and 29, and a significant 76.5% were aged 30 or older.

Among the crimes recorded, 1,757 were committed by drug addicts, 3 by individuals addicted to other substances, and 2 by those under the influence of drugs. The vast majority, 91.2%, of drug addicts' offenses involved the illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, with 5.9% related to theft and smaller percentages to fraud and other crimes.

In terms of drug seizures, authorities confiscated 4,144.4 kilograms of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, precursors, and narcotic plants, marking a 17.2% increase from the previous year. The haul included 2,963.4 kg of marijuana, 464.4 kg of narcotic plants, 431.4 kg of heroin, 109.5 kg of opium, 27.6 kg of hashish and related substances, 132.7 kg of psychotropic substances (primarily methamphetamine), and 15.4 kg of other narcotic and controlled substances.