Investigation Completed for 4 Individuals in Drug Laboratory Case in Garni Villages

The preliminary investigation conducted by the Abovyan investigative division of the Kotayk regional investigative department of the RA Investigative Committee has concluded regarding a criminal case involving the illegal circulation of particularly large quantities of narcotics, specifically 66.91 grams of "Methylenedioxymethamphetamine" (mefedrone), 9.23 grams of marijuana, and the cultivation of numerous cannabis plants.

According to the RA Investigative Committee, law enforcement officers from the Armenian police, acting on received operational information, discovered that a couple residing in the village of Garni was illegally acquiring and preparing large quantities of various drugs for subsequent sale. A criminal case was initiated, and in collaboration with the police, searches were conducted in the couple’s rented house in Garni, at another location, and in their vehicle. As a result, a total of 66.91 grams of mefedrone and approximately 9 grams of marijuana were found in numerous packages.

Additionally, during the search of their residence, law enforcement discovered a laboratory for producing synthetic drugs, a space equipped with devices for obtaining marijuana, and 30 cannabis plants grown in specially designed containers. Various containers filled with different chemicals and precursors, flasks used for drug production, tools, and other equipment intended for drug preparation and cultivation were also found.

The investigation established that the female resident of Garni had reached a preliminary agreement with her husband, a Russian citizen, his Russian friend, and another citizen residing in Yerevan regarding the preparation and cultivation of drugs for sale. These four individuals unlawfully acquired and stored the aforementioned mefedrone and significant amounts of marijuana at the places of residence and registration of the couple from Garni, as well as illegally obtained and stored the necessary precursors for drug production.

Based on sufficient evidence gathered during the investigation, final charges were laid against the four members of the group under Article 393, Part 3, Clause 2, Article 394, Part 1, and Article 404, Part 2, Clause 1 of the RA Criminal Code. As a preventive measure, they were placed in custody.

The investigation concerning these four individuals has been concluded, and the case materials with the indictments have been sent to court. The investigation continues in other aspects, focusing on the entire drug distribution chain and identifying individuals involved in it.