Criminal Group Engaged in Illicit Drug Trafficking Uncovered

In the framework of the fight against illicit drug trafficking, the pre-investigation of a criminal case concerning the illegal circulation of drugs, incitement to smuggling, organization, and assistance has been completed for four defendants. As reported by the Investigative Committee, through tactically planned and conducted necessary investigative and procedural actions, the criminal chain was elucidated, including the source of drug acquisition, the organization of circulation, as well as the circles of those who carried out and obtained them, and the mechanisms used.

In particular, factual data was obtained indicating that a 27-year-old resident of Yerevan and his 29-year-old friend, also a resident of Yerevan, reached an agreement via their Telegram platform page to engage in the illegal trafficking of drugs for sale. The 27-year-old established contact with an Iranian acquaintance residing in the Islamic Republic of Iran and, by transferring money to his bank card, prompted him to smuggle large quantities of marijuana and methamphetamine across the state border of the Republic of Armenia.

Under unclear circumstances, the Iranian citizen acquired an unspecified quantity of marijuana and 48.78 grams of methamphetamine, which he transferred to a transporter, who, in December 2022, crossed the state border through the Meghri customs post and delivered the drugs to the 27-year-old on the Meghri-Kapan road that same day.

After receiving the drugs, the individual handed over 1.89 grams of marijuana to an acquaintance in Yerevan, part of which was used for smoking, while the remaining 17.55 grams were kept in his possession, which was subsequently discovered during their personal search. The significantly large quantity of 48.78 grams of methamphetamine was found in the car operated by the 27-year-old during a search.

Furthermore, it was determined during the investigation that the aforementioned Iranian citizen had also entered into a criminal agreement concerning drug trafficking with two other residents of Yerevan aged 31 and 33. According to the evidence obtained from the investigation, the 31-year-old man, along with the 33-year-old who resides in Yerevan, established contacts with the same Iranian individual, materially incentivizing him to smuggle drugs across the state border of Armenia.

The Iranian citizen acquired an unspecified quantity of methamphetamine and tetrahydrocannabinol under unclear circumstances, which he managed to smuggle across the state border in February 2023 and hide. The 31 and 33-year-old men took possession of the aforementioned drugs, which were discovered during searches of the 31-year-old man's vehicle.

Based on sufficient evidence, the 27-year-old was charged under Article 393, Part 3, Clause 2, and Article 399, Part 3, Clause 2 of the RA Criminal Code. The 33 and 31-year-old men were charged under Article 393, Part 2, Clause 1 and Article 399, Part 2, Clause 1 of the RA Criminal Code, while the 29-year-old was charged under Article 393, Part 3, Clause 2. Two individuals have been detained as a measure of restraint, while two others are under house arrest.

The investigation concerning the four individuals has been concluded, and the materials of the proceedings have been sent to court with an accusatory conclusion. The investigation continues regarding other individuals involved in the criminal chain. It is also noted that a previous defendant had also been informed of the completion of the investigation, and the materials of the proceedings were sent to court with an accusatory conclusion.