VIDEO: Illegal Drug Importation Case Uncovered by NSS

The National Security Service of Armenia, viewing the illegal trafficking of drugs as a manifestation of transnational crime, has uncovered and disrupted the operation of a stable route for the illegal importation of drugs into Armenia. This was achieved through urgent operational-investigative measures in coordination with the staff of the State Revenue Committee, following strict adherence to international law and domestic legislation.

According to the obtained factual data, two citizens of the Republic of Armenia and one citizen of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, having reached preliminary agreement with an Armenian accomplice residing in the USA, created a stable criminal group. They imported drugs, concealed in postal shipments disguised as children's and stationery items, from the USA to Armenia under the names of various citizens of the Republic of Armenia without their knowledge.

Through postal services, they have been smuggling significant amounts of drugs, namely 'cocaine', 'methamphetamine', and 'hash oil'. The last batch, comprised of five parcels, was received at the postal service office in Armenia on December 26, 2019, January 8, and 10, 2020. Subsequently, on January 14 of this year, members of the criminal group, under the operational control of NSS officers, received one of these parcels and transferred it to a garage they were using as a meeting point.

As a result, three members of the criminal group were apprehended and arrested by national security service officers. Investigative actions have yielded undeniable evidence of the criminal group's activities under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia. Specifically, factual data has been obtained regarding their prior illegal importation of drugs into Armenia, arrangements with buyers via the internet, and the hiding and selling of drugs after receiving payment.

Charges have been brought against three individuals, and the court has opted for detention as a preventive measure. An investigation is underway to identify other individuals involved in the criminal scheme, as well as to determine the recipients of the financial flows generated from drug sales.