Video: COVID-19 Treatment Sold on Social Media for 830,000 Drams, Says Tax Committee

The Armenian State Revenue Committee's Investigation and Operational-Intelligence Department has uncovered a case of drug sales through social media without the necessary licenses as part of its fight against economic crimes.

This information was provided by the Public Relations and Information Department of the SRC. The committee's investigation received operational information that an individual known as S. M. was acquiring drug-like products through various illicit means and was advertising and selling them via social networks.

As part of the efforts, employees of the Department of Operational Intelligence managed to arrange a meeting and purchase the products via a phone call. At the previously agreed location, the individual sold drug-like products worth a total of 830,000 drams in cash, which are primarily used by patients infected with COVID-19 based on medical recommendations.

Among the products sold, a single box of "Actemra" has a market value of up to 415,000 drams. The other two "subcutaneous Actemra" medications sold by this person are valued at 200-215 thousand drams each.

In response to an inquiry from the Ministry of Health, it was revealed that the purchased items are indeed medications and have not been imported into Armenia in those dosages. It was also discovered that the individual did not possess the necessary license from the authorized body to conduct the trade of medications. While they had state registration and were listed as an individual entrepreneur, their activities had been temporarily suspended.

Ultimately, the individual has engaged in the retail sale of medicines without the appropriate license and without issuing the necessary accounting documents.

Relevant materials related to the case have been submitted to the Legal Department of the SRC for administrative proceedings. Investigative measures are also being taken to identify individuals involved in the illegal procurement and sale of drugs and medicines, as well as to determine the extent of damage caused to the state.

The Armenian State Revenue Committee urges citizens to refrain from purchasing drugs and medications of dubious origin through social networks.