Tense Situation at Bagratashen Customs Point Between NSS Employees and Traders

A tense situation has persisted at the Bagratashen customs point for several days. Traders who contacted NEWS.am claim that they have been trapped in a storage area for the 5th day and are not allowed to leave.

In an interview with the media, Kristina Manukyan, who imports goods from Turkey, said that on May 18, three different tourist companies servicing traders arrived at the Bagratashen customs point and faced difficulties.

"We delivered the cargo from Turkey using three different vehicles, but somehow the shipments got mixed up. However, the customs clearance was done correctly, and we have the documents, yet we cannot prove which cargo belongs to whom," Manukyan explained, noting that customs officials refuse to return the cargo, insisting it should be confiscated.

“For the past 5 days, employees of the NSS Border Guards have been monitoring us armed with automatic weapons, and we have been left in the storage area next to our cargo, as they do not allow it to be taken away,” she added.

She also mentioned that the situation has escalated to the point where one of the female traders threatened to commit suicide in the storage area.

The NSS's response will be provided in the coming days. Meanwhile, a Facebook user named Samson Grigoryan posted a photo regarding the situation at the Bagratashen customs point.

“The night was not peaceful at the Bagratashen customs point with clothing importers from Turkey and the NSS participating. This morning we should expect accusations and clarifications,” the user wrote.

He also shared a photo.