Telegram Drug Trafficking Group Uncovered: Investigative Committee Provides Details

The Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia has concluded the preliminary investigation into a case involving the illegal circulation of narcotic substances by an organized group, which dealt in particularly large quantities.

As a result of necessary investigative and procedural actions conducted during the pre-trial proceedings, the identities of the group members and the mechanism for the sale of narcotics have been clarified.

It has been established that, on the initiative and organization of a resident of Yerevan, an organized group was formed with the intent to illegally acquire, transport, store, and sell narcotic substances. The members of the group meticulously planned and clearly defined their roles in the operation.

The investigation revealed that the illegal drug trafficking was conducted through the Telegram messaging application. According to the distribution of roles, group members obtained narcotics from unknown users registered in Telegram for the purpose of sale, pre-packaged them, and placed them in locations throughout Yerevan and the regions of Armenia. They then sent photographs and coordinates of the specific areas to these users, receiving payments ranging from 1000-2000 AMD for each photo.

Subsequently, they received offers to acquire narcotics from unknown users via the same Telegram application. After receiving photos of payment receipts for various amounts transferred through electronic payment systems “Idram” and “Adjarabet” to their accounts, they forwarded these photos to the group member who verified the transactions. Once it was confirmed that the money had been transferred, they sent the photo and coordinates of the narcotic to the user who made the request, subsequently distributing the proceeds among the group members.

Continuing their criminal activities and expanding their group, the organizer recruited two additional individuals to ensure a steady supply of large quantities of narcotics. They illegally acquired various amounts of marijuana and cannabis for eventual sale using the same methods, distributing the revenues among group members.

According to the investigation, the organized group illegally acquired a total of 3616.98 grams of marijuana and 7315 grams of cannabis for sale. On February 11, 2021, during searches conducted at the homes of group members, approximately 11 kg of narcotics were discovered, preventing them from completing their criminal intentions as they were apprehended by police officers.

Based on the collected sufficient evidence, charges were brought against seven members of the organized group under Article 266, Parts 3, Subsections 1 and 2 of the Criminal Code of Armenia. Six of the accused have been taken into custody as a preventive measure, while one has been placed under a signature not to leave.

The preliminary investigation for the seven defendants has been completed, and the criminal case with the accusatory conclusions has been sent to court. Measures are being taken to identify and locate any other individuals involved in the illegal drug trafficking chain.