BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 2. The State Maritime
and Port Agency of Azerbaijan has issued a warning to seafarers
following a note from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent
to Azerbaijan’s embassy in Russia, Trend reports via the agency.
The note indicates that the harmala plant has been classified as
a narcotic substance and is now strictly regulated in Russia. Its
illegal circulation, possession, or smuggling carries
administrative and criminal liability under Russian law.
The agency has issued a strong advisory for seafarers, urging
them to adhere closely to local laws when navigating the entry and
exit of foreign nations, especially Russia. It emphasizes the
importance of familiarizing oneself with prohibited substances,
such as harmala, and strongly advises against their use,
transportation, or possession.
Previously, the Ministry of Health had alerted the public about
harmala, noting that its psychoactive alkaloids classify it as a
controlled substance in many countries. A Russian government decree
dated January 7, 2024, officially added harmala to the list of
narcotic plants, making its import, transportation, possession, or
sale illegal and punishable under Russian law.
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