Drug Smuggling from Iran to Armenia Prevented: Over 18 kg Seized

The Criminal Police have seized approximately 18 kg of narcotics, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Armenia. Reports indicate that a large quantity of drugs was being smuggled into Armenia from the Islamic Republic of Iran, with part of it intended for local distribution and the rest to be illicitly transferred to Georgia.

A 40-year-old resident of Yerevan was arrested in the Davitashen district of the capital on suspicion of drug smuggling and distribution. A package containing a total of 3 kg and 465 grams of a substance resembling marijuana was found in the interior of the "VAZ-21010" vehicle he was driving. It was confirmed that he was to deliver the drugs to a 40-year-old resident of the Ararat region.

On the same day, immediately after receiving the aforementioned package along the Yerevan-Yeraskh road, the 40-year-old Ararat resident was arrested and presented to the investigative body along with the "Renault" vehicle he was operating.

Continuing the operations, police arrested a 51-year-old resident of Yerevan and a 46-year-old resident of Kotayk region on suspicion of exporting drugs by illegal means on David Bek Street in Yerevan. A search of the "Kia" vehicle driven by the 46-year-old man revealed a package containing a total of 106 grams of crystalline methamphetamine and 142 grams of a substance resembling marijuana.

On the same day, under similar suspicion, law enforcement arrested a 46-year-old citizen of Georgia of Armenian descent and a 36-year-old resident of Yerevan in the vicinity of Lalvar Mountain in Lori region. Also nearby was a "Suzuki" vehicle driven by the 36-year-old Yerevan resident. The Georgian citizen had come to Armenia from Georgia and had taken the drugs with his brother's relative. Their plan was to cross the border legally, then use illegal means to retrieve the drugs from the mountain top and transport them back to Georgia.

The 46-year-old man presented two packets containing over five and a half kilograms of a substance resembling marijuana. Operations continued in the capital, where two residents aged 38 and 39 from Yerevan and Syunik region, respectively, were arrested on Tigran Mets Avenue. Inside the package found in the "Mini Cooper" they were driving, police discovered a total of 202 grams of methamphetamine and 1 kg and 155 grams of substances resembling marijuana. They also found a pistol with 28 bullets.

Reports were received indicating that two residents from Shirak region, aged 33 and 32, were involved in drug placement and distribution via the Internet. Operations continued in Kotayk region, where law enforcement arrested these individuals in Yeghvard. During the criminal procedure, a package containing a total of 1 kg and 210 grams of a substance resembling marijuana was discovered under the hood of the "Mercedes" driven by one of them. Additionally, 86 packages containing a total of 163 grams of marijuana were found.

On January 20, a 32-year-old resident of Yerevan was arrested on Yeghvard highway. Inside the "Toyota" vehicle he was driving, six packages containing approximately 6 kg of a substance resembling marijuana were discovered.

Measures are being taken to identify those sending drugs from the Islamic Republic of Iran and individuals who assisted them in Armenia. All individuals mentioned have been detained, and the investigation is ongoing. The struggle against drug addiction and illegal drug trafficking remains a priority for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, with extensive measures being continuously undertaken, especially focusing on wholesale drug trafficking. This disclosure is a clear example of how small-scale retail drug sales can be prevented, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of the fight against addiction,” reports the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Armenia.