VIDEO: 500 grams of Methamphetamine Illegally Circulated with Minor Involvement

The Investigation Committee of Armenia has revealed multiple circumstances surrounding the illegal circulation of drugs smuggled from Iran by two brothers from Armavir and a minor from Ararat. The details were disclosed by the Armenian Investigative Committee.

In the context of a criminal case initiated under Article 393, Part 2, Point 1 of the Armenian Criminal Code, necessary investigation and procedural actions have been conducted. It has been determined that the brothers, having reached a preliminary agreement with a 17-year-old acquaintance to engage in the illegal drug trade for sale, arrived on February 21, 2024, in the area of Areni village in Vayots Dzor province using one of the brothers' vehicle, an 'OPEL VECTRA 1.8'.

Using a relevant location app, they searched for and found the specific coordinates for a package of drugs provided earlier by an unidentified person still to be established by the investigation. After discovering the package, the 17-year-old took a large-sized, crystalline substance weighing a total of 500 grams, approached the vehicle, and one of the brothers secured it under the car's hood.

Subsequently, the young individuals set off towards Yerevan in the same vehicle. However, on the way, on the same day at 1:00 PM, operatives from the investigation body, cooperating with the National Security Service of Armenia, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the patrol service, discovered them in the area of Areni along the Yerevan-Meghri interstate highway. They were arrested and taken to the Yeghegnadzor Police Department, while the vehicle was moved to a secured location of the department.

During the preliminary investigation, the aforementioned package was found and seized during a search of the vehicle. According to the conclusions of the assigned forensic examination, the package contained a white crystalline substance weighing 500 grams identified as methamphetamine.

Based on the collected sufficient evidence, charges have been filed against the three individuals under Article 393, Part 3, Point 2 of the Criminal Code of Armenia. The brothers have been placed in custody as a preventive measure, while the 17-year-old minor is subject to alternative combined preventive measures including bail, educational supervision, and a ban on absconding.

The investigation is ongoing. Steps are being taken to identify the source of drug acquisition and to find other individuals involved in the illegal circulation of drugs for sale.