‘Drug Trafficking Volumes Remain Significant’ – Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Armenia

Arpine Sargsyan, the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Armenia, participated in an online meeting of the Global Coalition Against Synthetic Drug Threats initiated by U.S. President Joe Biden. This was reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia.

It was noted that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered the opening remarks at the online meeting. During the meeting, the Deputy Minister also delivered a speech, which is presented in full below:

“On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, I would like to express our gratitude to the United States for the establishment and launch of the Global Coalition Against Synthetic Drug Threats. This is a crucial platform for uniting our efforts to combat the spread of synthetic drugs and their negative effects.

Armenia stands alongside the international community in the prevention of illegal production and trafficking of synthetic drugs, as well as in identifying emerging trends, utilizing all possible measures.

Our country faces challenges related to reducing illegal drug trafficking and despite the extensive operations conducted by the Special Units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, drug trafficking volumes remain significant.

The internet has dramatically changed the landscape of drug trafficking, providing new avenues for illegal activities through online markets, cryptocurrencies, social media platforms, decentralized communication networks, and other means. However, while the internet has facilitated drug trafficking, it has also enabled law enforcement agencies to continuously monitor, investigate, and halt illegal activities.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Armenia is actively engaged in combating online drug trafficking through enhanced technological capabilities, intelligence sharing, and cooperation with international partners. As part of the reforms implemented by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a unit has been established within the Main Department of Criminal Police to combat illegal drug trafficking via the internet. This initiative has led to a significant increase in the number of cases of illegal drug trafficking detected online.

I would also like to mention that this year has been declared the Year of Combating Illegal Drug Trafficking within the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that the Global Coalition will facilitate cooperation between countries by easing the exchange of intelligence data, experience, and best practices in the fight against synthetic drug threats. It has the potential to strengthen cross-border cooperation in areas such as law enforcement, information exchange, and policy coordination. With a comprehensive approach, it can focus on prevention, early warning systems, law enforcement, recovery programs, and public awareness campaigns. The development of capabilities, knowledge sharing, and research can help identify new emerging trends, new substances, and developing production and trafficking methods.

All these actions will contribute to prioritizing public health approaches and harm reduction strategies, ensuring access to evidence-based treatment and recovery services, as well as implementing harm reduction measures to minimize the negative consequences of drug use.

Once again, I congratulate everyone on the establishment of this extremely important Coalition. Armenia is fully committed to participating in this initiative and is actively engaged in all its activities. Thank you for your attention.”