Criminal Cases of Drug Trafficking and Bribery Involving Public Officials Uncovered

The National Security Service of Armenia has reported significant developments in combating drug trafficking, bribery, and the illegal circulation of narcotics, aided by effective operational and investigative measures from their specialized divisions and the support of the operational staff of the Armenian Ministry of Justice’s Penitentiary Service.

As a result of collecting operational information, it was discovered that S.H., a leading specialist in the Security Division of the Armavir Penitentiary Institution, violated the law on narcotic drugs by attempting to facilitate the illegal acquisition of a substantial amount of narcotics for which he received a bribe, thus abusing his official powers.

It was established that this official, endowed with the functions of a representative of the authority, received a total of 0.5928 grams of methadone and 0.15 grams of pregabalin tablets, as well as 8.56 grams of marijuana, from the mother of convict V.K. at the Malatya Agricultural Market in Yerevan due to ulterior motives, and in exchange, he received a bribe of 25,000 AMD.

On the morning of September 2, 2020, S.H. was arrested by the National Security Service personnel at the parking lot of the Armavir Penitentiary, where they discovered and seized the drugs he had obtained from M.M. Following this, he was taken into custody on reasonable suspicion of committing a crime.

A criminal case has been initiated in the investigative department of the National Security Service based on the relevant articles of the Criminal Code of Armenia, and an investigation is underway. S.H. was charged on September 4, 2020, and was placed under arrest. M.M. has also been accused in connection with the same case, with bail conditions imposed to prevent her from leaving.

The investigation continues, with active measures being taken to identify all individuals involved in the illegal drug circulation and to ensure they receive the appropriate legal evaluations for their actions.

Note: A suspect or accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedures established by the Criminal Procedure Code of Armenia by a legally binding court verdict.