As a result of operative-search measures carried out on the basis of operational data received by the Syunik Regional Department of the RA National Security Service, a case of smuggling narcotic drugs in especially large quantities from the Islamic Republic of Iran to the territory of the Republic of Armenia was detected and prevented.

As a result of complex operative-search measures taken by the employees of the Syunik Regional Department of the National Security Service, it was established that three citizens of RA, in prior conspiracy with a citizen of the Islamic Republic of Iran, complementing each other's actions, were preparing to smuggle a batch of various narcotic drugs in especially large quantities from the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Armenia on January 10, 2025 for the purpose of sale.

In particular, on January 10, 2025, members of the criminal group in the territory adjacent to the Meghri community took from a pre-selected hiding place a batch of narcotic drugs in especially large quantities, smuggled into the RA through the Armenian-Iranian state border by an as yet unidentified person, which they were preparing to transport to Yerevan. As a result of the operative-search measures taken, the activities of the criminal group were suppressed, and in the presence of a directly arising reasonable suspicion of committing a crime, RA citizens R. S., A. A. and K. S. were detained and taken to the administrative territory of the Syunik Regional Department of the National Security Service along with their cars. As a result of the search conducted within the framework of the criminal proceeding initiated by the Syunik Regional Investigation Department of the RA Investigative Committee based on the report of an obvious crime submitted by the RA National Security Service and the attached materials confirming the relevant fact, 10 kg of narcotic drugs were found in one of the cars, including 8 kg of marijuana and 2 kg of methamphetamine.

Motions were filed with the court to apply arrest as a measure of restraint against R.S., A.A. and K.S., which were satisfied. The preliminary investigation of the criminal proceeding continues in the Department of the Investigative Committee of RA for the Investigation of Crimes in the Sphere of Human Trafficking, Aimed at the Sexual Inviolability of Minors and Illegal Circulation of Drugs.

Note: anyone charged with a crime is considered innocent as long as his/her guilt is not proven in a manner prescribed by the Code of Criminal Procedure of RA - by the court decision entered into legal force.