The number of crimes in Azerbaijan decreased by approximately 4.6 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year, with the downward trend continuing into the first half of 2026.

Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev said this in a joint interview with Trend International News Agency and REAL TV, Operativ Media reports.

He stated that a significant decrease in the number of crimes was also recorded in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.

“Compared to 2024, a decrease of approximately 4.6 percent in the number of crimes was observed in 2025. When we compare the first half of 2026 with the same period of 2025, we also see a significant decrease,” Kamran Aliyev said.

According to the Prosecutor General, the state and dynamics of crime remain under the control of law enforcement agencies. However, due to ongoing societal processes, an increase in certain types of crimes has been observed, and new types of crime are emerging.

Kamran Aliyev identified illicit drug trafficking as one of the most widespread crimes of concern to society. He noted that a stabilization and slight downward trend has been observed in this area in 2026 compared to the previous year.

“But this should by no means deceive us,” the Prosecutor General emphasized.

According to him, one of the primary threats is the transnational nature of illicit drug trafficking. The sale of drugs online, the use of new information technologies, and the spread of dangerous synthetic substances pose risks to the health of young people.

“The fact that illicit drug trafficking crosses borders, that they are bought and sold online using new information technologies, and that new, synthetic types of dangerous drugs are spreading poses a threat to the health of our youth. In this regard, we face many tasks,” Kamran Aliyev said.

The Prosecutor General noted that the activities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Customs Committee, and the State Border Service are of crucial importance in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.

He also stated that cooperation with regional and neighboring countries continues, with ways to combat illicit drug trafficking being discussed at both regional and international levels.