Criminal Network Involved in the Illegal Drug Trafficking Uncovered: 22 Indicted

The investigation department of the Yerevan city investigative administration of the RA Investigative Committee has uncovered a criminal network involved in the illegal acquisition, sale, and possession of significant amounts of methamphetamine and heroin.

As a result of prompt and extensive investigative actions, as well as operational intelligence measures conducted during the pre-trial investigation, the identities of 21 individuals involved in drug trafficking and acquisition have been established.

Searches were conducted as per the legal procedure, during which significant quantities of illegal drugs were discovered, as well as a revolver and 32 cartridges intended for a smooth-bore firearm.

Investigative data indicated that from May to July 2020, various groups involved in this criminal network sold a total of 1350 grams of dry heroin and 102 grams of methamphetamine.

Additionally, during the pre-trial investigation, information was received concerning a citizen of the Islamic Republic of Iran, of Azerbaijani nationality, illegally transporting large quantities of drugs into the Republic of Armenia through smuggling routes.

As a result of joint operations by the RA Investigative Committee and the Criminal Police of the RA Police, an Iranian citizen was arrested on July 10, 2020. During a personal search, 4865 grams of heroin were found.

Based on the gathered evidence, charges were brought against the Iranian citizen under Article 38-266 (illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and their precursors) part 3, point 2; Article 267.1 (smuggling of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and/or their precursors) part 4, point 1; and Article 329 (illegal crossing of the state border) part 2. The measure of restraint selected for him is detention.

Charges have also been brought against the aforementioned 21 individuals under Article 266 (organizing illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and their precursors) part 3, point 2; and Article 268 (illegal trafficking of drugs or psychotropic substances without the purpose of sale) part 3, for illegally acquiring, selling, and possessing significant amounts of methamphetamine and heroin. Among them, 7 have been detained, 2 have been involved as defendants and are wanted, while 14 have been subjected to a signature not to leave as a restraint measure.

The investigation is ongoing. Necessary measures are being taken to determine the presence of any other individuals involved in the drug trafficking network, as well as to clarify other circumstances of significance to the investigation.