Revelations of Large-Scale Drug Trafficking and Smuggling Cases

The National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia has uncovered cases of illegal trafficking and smuggling of large quantities of drugs through operational and investigative measures.

Specifically, as a result of operational data, it has been established that V.K., an ethnic Armenian and a citizen of Russia, attempted to engage in the smuggling of a plant substance containing the drug known as "MDMB-2201" for the purpose of distributing the drug within Armenian territory.

To facilitate this smuggling, V.K. contacted an unidentified person residing abroad over the internet, provided them with his address and personal data, and requested to have a large quantity of the drug containing "MDMB-2201"—specifically, 5.34 grams of dry plant material—shipped to Armenia via postal delivery. He then paid the required amount to this individual’s electronic wallet, after which the substance was sent to V.K. through international postal service.

On July 8, 2020, V.K. visited the postal service, received the package, and attempted to acquire, store, and transport the aforementioned drug for distribution. However, due to effective operational and investigative measures, the illegal trafficking and smuggling cases were discovered, and the individuals involved were identified by the officers of the National Security Service, leading to V.K.’s detention based on direct suspicions of committing the crime.

A criminal case was initiated at the National Security Service's investigative department on July 7, 2020, under Article 267.1, part 4, clause 1, and Article 34-266, part 3, clause 2 of the RA Criminal Code, and the investigation is underway.

On July 10, 2020, V.K. was charged under Article 38-267.1, part 3, clause 1, and Article 34-266, part 2, clause 2 of the RA Criminal Code, with remand in custody as a preventive measure.

A search of the defendant's residence revealed chemical substances intended for the preparation of synthetic cannabinoids—approximately 72 grams of substance, as well as pre-packaged doses, electronic scales, all of which apparently indicate an intent to distribute these drugs.

The investigation is ongoing, with active measures being taken to ascertain the full scope of individuals involved in drug smuggling, as well as to prevent and neutralize the infiltration of drugs, psychotropic substances, or their precursors across the state border of Armenia.

The National Security Service once again reminds that the illegal preparation, processing, acquisition, storage, transportation, delivery, or distribution of drugs and psychotropic substances, as well as the smuggling of their precursors, are classified as serious crimes.