Illegal Drug Trafficking Case Uncovered; Two Individuals Detained

On August 15, 2024, during their service on Acharyan Street in Yerevan, officers of the Armenian National Police detained a 29-year-old man from Yerevan on suspicion of possessing drugs and weapons. The individual reported that he had "Marijuana" and "Crystal" drugs as well as a gas pistol in his possession.

A personal search of the suspect revealed two packages containing a total of 4.11 grams and 0.89 grams of "Marijuana," one package weighing 0.69 grams of "Crystal" drugs, and a "Makarov" pistol.

Following the incident, the Investigative Committee of Armenia initiated a criminal case under Article 393, Part 1, Article 393, Part 2, Points 1 and 2, Article 396, Part 1, and Article 335, Part 1 of the Criminal Code. A decision was made to arrest the individual based on substantial grounds stemming from the commission of a criminal act.

During the preliminary investigation, a number of circumstances essential for the case were clarified, including the identity of the person who instructed the man to distribute the drugs. It was established that he had reached a preliminary agreement with another resident of Yerevan regarding illegal drug trafficking. Under this person's direction, the 29-year-old man placed packages of "Marijuana" and "Crystal" drugs in various locations around Yerevan, photographing them and sending the images to his contact.

As part of the investigation, the man pointed out the places where he had placed the drugs. An examination of the scene was conducted, resulting in the seizure of five packages of drugs that he had deposited. According to the detainee, four of the packages contained "Crystal" drugs, while one contained "Marijuana".

On August 16, 2024, based on direct grounds for suspicion, the 29-year-old man's contact was also arrested. During a search at his residence, 97 zip packages were found and confiscated.

Additionally, investigators examined the mobile phones and correspondence of the individuals suspected of committing the crime, confirming their collaboration in illegal drug trafficking. A forensic chemical examination was ordered to determine the composition of the substances found.

A request was submitted to the prosecutor overseeing the legality of the proceedings to initiate public criminal prosecution against the 29-year-old man under Article 393, Part 2, Points 1 and 2 of the Armenian Criminal Code, which was granted. Motions were filed with the court for the application of detention as a preventive measure, and these were approved. The preliminary investigation continues, with measures being taken to identify other individuals involved in drug trafficking and to uncover the sources of drug and weapon procurement. Relevant police divisions have been instructed accordingly.