Cases of Drug Trafficking Among Minors Recorded

In the first half of 2026, two cases of illegal drug trafficking among minors have been recorded, compared to three cases during the same period last year. This was announced by Deputy Chief of the Armenian Police, Georgi Khachatryan, during a press conference.

“There is a decrease, which is positive, but we still have concerns. Regardless of the decrease in cases, we have still recorded incidents. This means we still have work to do,” Khachatryan stated.

Addressing information regarding drug trafficking in and around schools, he noted that informational leaflets will be distributed in schools starting September 1. These leaflets will also be provided to parents and legal guardians of children, containing information to help understand whether a child is using drugs or engaging in trafficking, as well as what steps should be taken in such cases.

It should be noted that in the first five months of 2026, there have been a total of 1313 drug-related criminal cases registered in Armenia, of which 1269 were related to illegal trafficking.

In addition to awareness-raising efforts aimed at preventing illegal drug trafficking, the police will carry out enhanced services in school areas at the beginning of the new academic year. According to Khachatryan, starting September 1, the police will adopt enhanced service measures for two weeks as part of the “Beware, Children” initiative.

“As part of this initiative, reinforced police presence will be implemented around educational institutions starting from 08:00 AM to 09:30 AM, and then from 12:00 PM until the end of classes,” Khachatryan explained. Increased attention will be given to schools located immediately adjacent to roads. In areas with road markings, traffic lights, and pedestrian crossings, children will cross the streets in groups under police escort.

This approach will also be applied near schools with large numbers of students, where pedestrian and vehicular traffic is more intense. Additionally, from September 1 to October 1, events entitled “Law-abiding Pedestrian” will be held in schools for students and parents to raise awareness of road traffic safety rules.

Khachatryan indicated that the police will also enhance their awareness-raising activities concerning children's safety at schools as the academic year begins.