More than 5.1 tons of narcotics, seized by Azerbaijani customs authorities were destroyed

On January 28, 2025, a total of 5 tons, 168 kilograms and 332 grams of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, seized from illicit trafficking as a result of the customs control and operational-search measures, carried out by customs authorities, were destroyed by incineration based on the court sentences on destruction as per 24 criminal cases through the process, organized by the standing Task Group of the State Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Combatting Drug Abuse and Illicit drug Trafficking and involving the Commission, consisting of the representatives from state agencies. 

The destruction event, carried out in accordance with international standards and national legislation based on the principle of transparency, was also observed by the representatives of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the media and public organizations. 

91.3% of the destroyed substances were more dangerous drugs: i.e. 4 tons, 662 kilograms and 185 grams of heroin and 58 kilograms and 837 grams of methamphetamine. Additionally, 369 kilograms and 529 grams of opium, 77 kilograms and 779 grams of hashish and other substances were destroyed as well.

98.7% of these narcotic substances: i.e. 5 tons, 105 kilograms, and 990 grams, related to 17 cases, were destined in transit to European countries, by entering the territory of Azerbaijan through its southern borders. The average retail sale price of the destroyed narcotics in Europe exceeds 272 million euros. 

Given drug-related threats and new challenges to our country, the State Customs Committee declares that, combatting illicit trafficking in narcotics is one of the priority tasks for customs authorities. For this purpose, resolute measures are taken to build capacity of customs bodies and increase professional training of personnel through strengthening operational-search activities, equipping customs authorities with customs inspection complexes, modern technical means of control and drug-detection sniffer dogs, application of ARAS risk system and other new technologies.