Baku: A neighboring country is waging a drug war against Azerbaijan, said MP Hikmat Babaoghlu during the discussion of the report of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsperson) of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2024 at today’s meeting of the Milli Majlis (Azerbaijani Parliament) Human Rights Committee, APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, MP Hikmat Babaoghlu highlighted the ongoing issue of drug trafficking into Azerbaijan, emphasizing that it is a significant concern frequently reported on television channels. He described these actions as an “opium war,” drawing parallels to historical instances of such conflicts, which he referred to as “silent wars.” Babaoghlu pointed fingers at a specific neighboring country, which he claimed is responsible for the influx of drugs via various means, including land, air, and sea. He noted that drug trafficking incidents are rarely associated with Georgia, Russia, or Trkiye.

In addition to the drug issue, Babaoghlu raised concerns about the impact of energy drinks, labeling them as another facet of the silent war. He urged for restrictions on these beverages, citing health concerns such as diabetes and exhaustion in young adults aged 22-25. He further claimed that the consumption of these drinks could have severe implications on fertility, ultimately threatening the country’s gene pool.