Large-scale Drug Trafficking Cases Discovered

Employees of the National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia have uncovered cases of illegal trafficking of large quantities of drugs by a group of individuals acting in agreement, as part of operations aimed at combating drug trafficking and smuggling.

In particular, operational information was obtained by the NSS regarding two citizens of Armenia who were transferring approximately 1 kg of methamphetamine across the Armenian-Iranian border for the purpose of sale (the market value of 1 gram of methamphetamine is estimated at 100,000-120,000 Armenian Drams).

As a result of the operational measures taken by the NSS employees, the drug was discovered in a vehicle in the city of Kapan on July 9, 2019, during the transportation of the substances, and the individuals were detained.

In another case, based on preliminary data obtained through extensive operational measures undertaken by the NSS and the State Revenue Committee (SRC), a group of individuals organized the smuggling of 148 MDMA pills (Ecstasy) into Armenia through postal delivery from the United States (the value of 148 MDMA pills on the black market is approximately 1.5 million Armenian Drams).

The receipt of the postal delivery was conducted under the operational supervision of NSS employees on July 8, 2019. Immediately after receiving the delivery, the individuals were detained.

Criminal cases have been initiated in the investigative department of the NSS on the relevant articles of the RA Criminal Code regarding the apparent criminal acts. Charges have been brought against three individuals, and imprisonment has been chosen as a preventive measure. An investigation is underway.