NSS Discovers Approximately 1 kg of Opium, Detains Iranian Driver and Two Others Near Customs Terminal

The employees of the National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia’s Yerevan city department have consistently continued their fight against crime, implementing measures in line with their operational duties. Acting on received operational data regarding the smuggling of narcotics in particularly large quantities, as well as the illegal acquisition, possession, transportation, and distribution of narcotic substances, on May 27, 2021, they detained Iranian national S.A., a driver of a DAFF truck, near the "Apaven" customs terminal located on Araratyan Street in Yerevan. They also detained A.M., the driver of a Mercedes G55, and passenger R.Q.

The NSS reports that during the inspection of the scene, approximately 995 grams of opium was discovered and seized from a hidden compartment within the Mercedes G55. This narcotic substance had been illegally transported into Armenia by the truck driver S.A.

In connection with the mentioned cases of smuggling narcotics in particularly large quantities and the illegal acquisition, possession, and transportation of such drugs by a group of individuals acting in prior agreement, a criminal case has been initiated by the NSS investigative department. The individuals have been arrested, and the seized substance has been sent for forensic examination. Charges have been filed, and detention has been chosen as a preventive measure.

Necessary investigative and other procedural actions are being undertaken using permissible tools to clarify all circumstances of the incident, as well as to determine the complete circle of individuals involved in the scheme of illegally importing narcotics into the territory of Armenia through smuggling.