More than 43 kg of various drugs attempted to be circulated

The investigation department of the RA Investigative Committee, focusing on particularly important cases related to human trafficking, sexual integrity of minors, and illegal drug circulation, in cooperation with the Syunik regional investigative department and employees of the National Security Service, has uncovered a case of illegal circulation of approximately 43.724 kg of various drugs, identifying two members of a criminal group.

According to the Investigative Committee, in January 2023, operational information was received regarding the smuggling of drugs into the Republic of Armenia by a citizen of the Islamic Republic of Iran. During the implementation of the received information, it was revealed that the Iranian citizen had reached preliminary agreement with a 27-year-old citizen of the Republic of Georgia and other unidentified individuals to engage in the illegal circulation of drugs for profit-making purposes on the territory of the Republic of Armenia.

To carry out his criminal intent, on April 15, 2024, he facilitated the illegal transportation into the territory of Armenia of an especially large quantity of drugs totaling 28.003.47 grams of marijuana, 14.434.75 grams of heroin, and 1287.06 grams of methamphetamine through smuggling across the state border, aiming to transfer these drugs from the Syunik region to other locations and placing them in various hideouts.

Subsequently, photographs of the drug hideout were sent to the 27-year-old Georgian citizen involved in the group, who around 11:30 PM on April 15, 2024, drove to the hideout location in the Ararat region's Khardarb community in his 'Vaz 2107' vehicle, discovered the mentioned bags of drugs, and attempted to transport them for sale in his vehicle. However, he was arrested by employees of the National Security Service of Armenia.

Based on the gathered evidence, charges have been filed against the 27-year-old young man under the second part of Article 393 of the RA Criminal Code. As a measure of restraint, his arrest has been ordered. A separate proceeding has been initiated regarding him, in which the pre-investigation has been completed, and the materials of the case have been sent to court with an accusatory conclusion.

The investigation continues regarding the other members of the criminal group, and measures are being undertaken to identify and apprehend them.