Iranian Trucks Again Not Being Inspected

The National Security Service of Armenia has responded to the issue of Iranian and Turkish registered trucks crossing the section near Vorotan, which is under Azerbaijani control, on the Goris-Kapan interstate road. Following incidents where Azerbaijani armed forces inspected Iranian trucks and extorted payments from Iranian drivers, NEWS.am sought to clarify what steps the NSS has taken to prevent the risks of Iranian drivers transferring cargo through illicit means in that area by Azerbaijanis.

It is particularly concerning that Azerbaijani military personnel may be transporting drugs or illegal goods to Yerevan through Iranian drivers, considering that Iranian trucks have not been inspected after entering Azerbaijani-controlled territory. It is important to recall that previous law enforcement agencies have uncovered numerous cases of drug trafficking into Armenia from Iranian territory through various means, including by smuggling. Therefore, what is preventing such drug transfers from occurring through cash transactions in Vorotan?

In response to a written inquiry from the news agency, the NSS stated that it is conducting measures within the framework of the fight against smuggling as prescribed by Armenian law on Operative-Investigative Activities, as well as implementing related functions assigned to it by Armenian legislation. However, the National Security Service has not clarified what specific operational-investigative measures are being conducted in that area, indicating that Iranian trucks remain uninspected.

We hope that our country's principal security agency has assessed the risks associated with Iranian or Turkish (not only) cargo entering the territory controlled by Azerbaijan, from the illegal transport of weapons and military supplies to the smuggling of drugs. The NSS, which is authorized to ensure the sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia, the inviolability of state borders, territorial integrity, as well as the rights, freedoms, and legal interests of its citizens, must ensure not only the safety of drivers and passengers who are citizens of Armenia passing through that area but also take measures to inspect the cargo of foreign drivers in contact with Azerbaijani armed forces on the interstate road connecting Armenia and Iran, in order to mitigate potential risks to Armenia's security.