Increase in drug trafficking in Armenia / JAMnews

Drug trafficking on the rise in Armenia

“In the first quarter of 2024, 1,130 cases of drug trafficking were registered in Armenia. During the same period in 2023, this figure was 981, which indicates an increase of 14.1%,” Hovhannes Ambarian, a representative of the Investigative Committee, told reporters.

At the same time, the number of people prosecuted has also increased, with 301 people charged between January and March, including five minors. During the same period last year, 144 people were prosecuted.

Law enforcement officials point to the rise in drug sales via social media. Health professionals warn that minors targeted by drug traffickers often face serious health problems, including mental illness.

Increase in illegal drug trafficking since 2023

Last year, the trend was also upward, according to Hovhannes Ambarian, head of the department for combating drug trafficking:

“In 2022, 2,266 cases of illegal drug trafficking were identified in Armenia, compared to 5,070 cases in 2023. This is an increase of 123.7%.“

Ambarian noted that while society often claims that “the increase in drug trafficking has reached unprecedented levels,” this is not always accurate.

“Statistical data may result from intensified efforts and detection of [illegal trafficking] case. I can even say that in 2023, cases dating back several years have been identified. Regardless, the numbers are alarming. We must intensify our fight against drug trafficking and adopt a multidimensional approach,” he explained.

“15-year-old drug addict girl sent to psychiatric health center”

Along with the increase in drug trafficking, the number of visits to the National Drug Treatment Center has also increased.

Suren Nazinyan, the center's director, said minors are also admitted to the center. Last year, seven minors, all boys, were hospitalized.

“This year we had a 15 year old daughter. Unfortunately, she has already developed mental health issues. She was sent to the children's ward of the psychiatric health center.“

According to Suren Nazinyan, “non-traditional” synthetic drugs have become increasingly popular in recent times. These psychostimulants quickly become addictive and can cause mental disorders.

For this reason, the director of the National Center for Addiction Treatment urges parents to be more attentive to their children's behavior to notice the changes that occur with drug use:

“For example, their social circle may change, their healthy interests may be replaced by negative interests. They might start coming home late, running away, or withdrawing into themselves..”

In some cases, there may be physical signs, such as red eyes from marijuana use, Nazinyan said. The addiction treatment center helps patients overcome their problems through medical treatments and social-psychological support programs.