Large-Scale Drug Trafficking Network Uncovered

The Special Investigation Service of Armenia has completed the preliminary investigation into a significant case of illegal drug trafficking. The investigation revealed the circumstances of the case and the chain of illegal acquisition and sale of drugs.

According to the information from the Communications and Public Relations Department of the Armenian Investigative Committee, it was established that a 46-year-old resident of Yerevan assisted his acquaintance, a 36-year-old man living abroad, in illegally acquiring large quantities of drugs including opium, heroin, and methamphetamine for the purpose of sale on October 17, 2020.

Evidence collected during the investigation indicated that the 36-year-old man planned, with the assistance of his acquaintance in Yerevan, to engage in the illegal sale of drugs. To carry out his criminal intentions, he obtained consent from the 46-year-old and organized the logistics.

On October 17, 2020, around 3:00 AM, the 46-year-old man illegally acquired a total of 4,964 grams of opium, 4,982 grams of heroin, and 3,965 grams of methamphetamine in the Syunik region, which he concealed in the interior of his own KIA vehicle. However, the drug cargo was discovered by officers from the Kapan division of the Armenian Police during a vehicle inspection.

Subsequent searches conducted during the investigation uncovered additional large quantities of drugs, including 2,878 grams of opium, 995 grams of methamphetamine, and 751 grams of heroin, along with other significant amounts of opium and acetylated opium from subsequent searches.

Based on sufficient evidence, the 46-year-old man has been charged under Article 38-266, Part 3, Point 2 of the Armenian Criminal Code. The preliminary investigation regarding this individual has concluded, and the case has been sent to the prosecutor's office with a recommendation for indictment and submission to the court.

The investigation concerning other participants in the illegal drug trafficking network is ongoing. Necessary measures are being implemented to identify other individuals involved in the criminal network and to clarify other significant circumstances for the investigation.

Notice: A suspect or accused individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a legally effective court judgment in accordance with the procedures established by the Criminal Procedure Code of Armenia.