10 kg of narcotics smuggled from Iran to Armenia; 3 individuals arrested

The investigation conducted by the Syunik regional investigative department of the RA Investigative Committee has uncovered significant details regarding the smuggling of narcotics from Iran into Armenian territory and the illegal trafficking of drugs by a criminal group.

According to preliminary data, on May 18 and 19, 2023, an unidentified Iranian citizen, in preliminary agreement with a 32-year-old man residing in the Syunik region, smuggled a large quantity of marijuana and other types of narcotics into Armenia. The resident of Syunik collected the shipment of drugs from a designated area near the Iran-Armenia state border and, to avoid detection, hid it in a stash located adjacent to the border.

Subsequently, he involved two residents of Kajaran city in his criminal intentions. The two individuals drove from Kajaran to Megrich in a TOYOTA vehicle, where they retrieved bags filled with narcotics from the stash and placed them in the vehicle. While returning, in response to operational data, the vehicle was stopped by the border guards of the National Security Service of Armenia, who discovered and seized two polyethylene bags containing obviously more than 10 kilograms of narcotics.

Based on the materials sent by the NSS of Armenia, the Syunik regional investigative department of the RA Investigative Committee initiated criminal proceedings under the features of Part 3 of Article 393 and Part 2 of Article 399 of the RA Criminal Code, resulting in a decision to detain the 32-year-old man and the two Kajaran residents, based on reasonable suspicion of drug smuggling and drug trafficking.

During the investigation, urgent investigative and procedural actions were carried out, including searches, which resulted in the discovery of two polyethylene bags containing 20 different packages resembling marijuana, methamphetamine, and heroin, as well as two handguns, 110 cartridges, and 0.1 grams of dry, green cannabis-like substance.

To clarify circumstances of significant importance, forensic chemical and forensic biological examinations have been commissioned. Based on the evidence obtained, the prosecutorial body has submitted a request to the supervising prosecutor to initiate public criminal prosecution against the aforementioned three individuals, which has been granted.

The residents of Kajaran have been charged under Part 2 of Article 393 of the RA Criminal Code, while the 32-year-old man has been charged under Articles 393 Part 3, Article 396 Part 3, and Article 46. By the court's decision, pre-trial detention has been used as a measure of restraint against them.

The investigation is ongoing, and necessary measures are being taken to identify the source of narcotics and weaponry acquisition.