An Investigative Report by 301
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in cases of illegal drug trafficking and drug use among teenagers, minors and women. The platforms used for drug distribution have become more diverse, with Telegram being one prominent platform. Drug distribution through Telegram has expanded on a large scale, particularly in schools and universities, through advertisements posted on Telegram channels related to drugs. The problem of drug addiction can be particularly severe in the post-war period, as young people and teenagers turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with the fears and anxieties resulting from the war. This has led to a rise in drug spread.
The 2022 report from the RA Prosecutor’s Office raises significant concerns, as it reveals a steady increase in drug use and related crimes over the past five years. The report highlights several data points, including:
- The recorded cases of drug-related crimes in 2022 reached 2,266, compared to 1,544 in the previous year.
- The reported cases of illegal drug trafficking increased by 76.3%, totaling 1,717 cases in 2022 compared to 974 cases in the previous year.
- Illegal drug possession cases for the purposes of its realization increased by 94.9%, reaching 1,031 cases in 2022 compared to 529 cases in the previous year.
Data obtained from the “National Addiction Treatment Center” CJSC of the Ministry of Health further substantiates the growing prevalence of drug addiction and illegal drug trade or drug trafficking.
As of January 1, 2022, there were 7,570 registered individuals diagnosed with drug addiction in the Republic of Armenia. This number has steadily increased over the past five years, with 7,392 registered individuals in January 2021, 7,209 in January 2020, 6,951 in January 2019, and 6,572 in January 2018. In 2021, 76 women sought treatment at the center, their number increased by 40 in 2022. Although the number of minors seeking treatment increased by only two during 2021-2022, it remains a concerning indicator, according to the center’s deputy medical director.
Considering that registered individuals who received treatment are removed from the records, these figures indicate a consistent rise in the number of people suffering from drug addiction over the past five years.
The quantities of highly hazardous synthetic drugs, such as methamphetamine, a-PVP, MDMA, LSD, mephedrone, fentanyl, and other variants, as well as drug parcels and alternative carriers (“spice”), withdrawn from illegal circulation, have shown an increase when compared to the previous year. This rise is observed alongside the already prevalent presence of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, hemp, opium, hashish, and amphetamine, etc.
Amphetamine substances, classified as psychostimulants, exhibit a high potential for addiction and are particularly prevalent among minors.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the illegal trade of drugs through social media platforms and Internet telecommunication systems, particularly “Telegram.” This illegal trade typically involves pre-storing the drugs in a designated location and accepting non-cash payments (e-wallets, cryptocurrency, bank accounts, etc.) from buyers. Subsequently, information regarding the specific locations where the illegal substances are stored is shared with the buyers.
Telegram channels primarily operate using the following structure: alongside the main network coordinator and drug suppliers, the system employs ‘’operators’’ who facilitate communication between potential buyers and sellers. Additionally, there are intermediaries known as “drug couriers” (“kladshik” or “kladman” in their language), who store the drugs in the designated locations. Furthermore, there are “arbiters” who function within an “arbitration” framework. Their role is to investigate and resolve disputes that may arise when one party violates the agreement. For example, if a party receives payment but fails to deliver the order, or if a customer claims that the drugs were not present at the specified location. The arbiters conduct their own investigation to determine the truth and make a decision about whether to continue the drug sale or sever ties.
Telegram has emerged as a prominent platform for the sale of synthetic drugs, primarily due to their affordability and wider accessibility. Methamphetamine, in particular, stands out as the most widely sought-after substance within this category in Armenia
In Armenia, there is a concerning issue where minors and teenagers are buying drugs through social networks. The Telegram app alone hosts approximately 1,200 drug-selling stores, exacerbating the problem. Furthermore, the involvement of minors in the drug sale is particularly alarming, as they often serve as “drug couriers”.
On these Telegram channels, drugs are sold in quantities that allow drug sellers and buyers to evade severe criminal penalties, often facing only administrative charges.
Based on the study conducted on certain Telegram platforms (names omitted for security reasons), it has been discovered that there exists a feedback mechanism between sellers and buyers. This feedback system involves the posting of pictures showcasing the received products, aiming to enhance trust. Additionally, the study revealed a concerning trend of a significant number of girls engaging in drug use and sale. It is important to note that the type of drugs being offered is highly diverse, with new substances being introduced regularly.
These internet platforms openly promote the sale of drugs. Detailed information regarding the types, dosages, and costs of drugs available is frequently posted. Furthermore, these platforms also exhibit other hazardous phenomena, such as propaganda, wherein drugs are presented in an alluring manner. Additionally, information pertaining to drugs, which could potentially dissuade young individuals from abstaining from drug use, is presented from a biased and more attractive perspective.
Furthermore, there exists another scenario wherein these Telegram channels also feature employment opportunities associated with the distribution of drugs, offering highly lucrative salaries. Examples of such positions include ‘’drug couriers’’․ Unfortunately, this criminal activity involving the distribution of drugs attracts young people.
On social media platforms and messaging applications, there are drug-dealing pages and user accounts that advertise the drugs available through them. These promotional materials, consisting of posts containing links to drug-dealing pages, are publicly displayed in various locations.
By following these leads, we have discovered advertisements placed in numerous public spaces, particularly in the center of Yerevan, as well as in schools, universities, and other active institutions. The information presented in these advertisements leads to drug-selling Telegram channels.
We also got information from Telegram channels regarding the extent of advertising campaigns conducted in various settlements across different regions of Armenia, which involve the participation of children.
In the course of our investigation, we have discovered 5 actively acting Armenian drug-dealing Telegram channels, chats and groups.
Within the past three years, during the preliminary investigations of four criminal cases conducted by the RA Investigative Committee, six organized groups involved in drug trafficking through Telegram channels were uncovered, leading to the identification of over 30 individuals as accused. The majority of the accused fall within the age range of 18-27, and minors and a significant number of women are also implicated in these criminal cases.
In the first criminal case, the amount involved exceeds 325 million drams and 70 thousand US dollars. In the second criminal case, the amount involved is 30,535,666,727.97 AMD. During the initial investigation of the third criminal case, it was discovered that numerous individuals, including a person operating in a foreign country with a prominent role, during the period spanning from 2019 to 2022, created and managed two Telegram channels on the Telegram social network, with more than 20,000 followers. These channels served as platforms for the illegal drug trade, housing a network of over 50 stores involved in the trade of drugs. The monetary turnover generated during the operation of these channels exceeded 1 billion drams.
Our study of Telegram channels discovered that the third one of the aforementioned Telegram channels with 3643 followers (this number is increasing), continues to operate and expand its network, offering an increasing variety of drugs and attracting more buyers. This channel is active in Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor, and continuously seeks to extend its reach to other settlements.
Furthermore, there has been a rise in cases involving drug smuggling attempts or the importation of excessive amounts of drugs into Armenia.
Just this year, three notable incidents came to light. On May 16, the Italian customs police discovered 2,734 kilograms of high-purity cocaine in the port of Gioia Tauro in southern Italy. The drugs were concealed within two containers hidden amidst a shipment of 78 tons of bananas destined for Armenia via the Georgian port of Batumi, originating from the Ecuadorian port of Guayaquil.
On May 17, the National Security Service of Armenia reported that a company engaged in fruit importation into Armenia had illicitly imported approximately one ton of cocaine (with an estimated value of 250 million euros) from Ecuador, passing through transit countries such as Panama, Italy, and Georgia.
A few days following these incidents, Rustam Badasyan, the Chairman of the RA State Revenue Committee, announced on his Facebook page that a significant amount of fentanyl drug smuggling had been successfully intercepted in the region.
Experts emphasize the extreme danger associated with fentanyl usage, as it has the highest rate of overdose deaths compared to other drugs. According to official publications from the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), 6 out of 10 fentanyl pills contain a lethal dose. Statistical data reveals that in 2022, 72,000 people died from fentanyl in the United States, and this number continues to rise each year. The potency of fentanyl is reported to be 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.
One notable case this year involves the “Polygraph” club incident in Yerevan, where recent police operations and investigations revealed the illegal trade of various drugs such as “Methamphetamine,” “Ecstasy,” and “LSD.” The presence of drug-related activities in the “Polygraph” club underscores concerns about drug proliferation among young people.
These circumstances become even more worrisome and noteworthy in light of government officials openly discussing the legalization of drugs.
For instance, on April 29, 2021, the Government passed a decision permitting the production, export, import, or wholesale trade of industrial hemp, provided the appropriate license is obtained. However, the project did not receive a positive endorsement from the commission. Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan stated that the market is no longer attractive, while the vice-chairman of the commission, Babken Tunyan, stressed that the justifications presented were insufficient to accept the risky project.
In another example, Hayk Tsirunyan, an MP from the Civil Contract party expressed his opinion today that hemp is widespread throughout Armenia. He advocated against using the term “drug” when referring to this plant and emphasized its usefulness.
During a recent session of the National Assembly, an MP from the Civil Contact Party Eduard Aghajanyan asserted that no party is happened without drugs. Speaker of the National Assembly Alen Simonyan considers the liberalization of drugs in Armenia as a normal phenomenon. He openly expressed his opinion months ago when he commented on a post by Suren Nazinyan, the director of the “National Addiction Treatment Center” at the RA Ministry of Health, who expressed opposition to the liberalization of marijuana. Simonyan wrote: “It can be legalized, and I believe it should be done as soon as possible.”
Alen Simonyan has expressed a similar viewpoint on multiple occasions. In 2017, while serving as a member of the “Way Out” Faction of the Yerevan Council of Elders, he shared his opinion that the efforts to combat marijuana are futile and time-consuming. Instead, he advocated for its legalization, integration into the tax system, and regulation to ensure quality control and prevent health risks. Simonyan pointed out that he has not personally encountered any cases of marijuana-related fatalities, whereas he has witnessed numerous deaths caused by cigarette use. He emphasized that cigarettes are the primary contributor to lung cancer, whereas marijuana has been found to inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors. Additionally, doctors have recommended marijuana for individuals with nervous system disorders. Simonyan expressed bewilderment at the decision to wage a fruitless battle against marijuana.
These statements from state officials are highly alarming due to their evident promotion of drug use as a normal and healthy activity. Consequently, we can conclude that these statements reflect a state policy supportive of the drug trade.
During one of his press conferences, Suren Nazinyan, the director of the “National Addiction Treatment Center” at the RA Ministry of Health, noted that the drug addiction cases within Armenian society are being hidden and not discussed. He pointed out that even in cases of death of minors, people prefer to attribute it to cardiac arrest rather than openly acknowledge drug overdose as the cause. Another notable fact is that when parents discover their child’s drug addiction, they often refuse to seek treatment in medical facilities. This leads to the underrepresentation of drug addicts in official statistics, distorting the actual situation and increasing the likelihood of untreated addiction in the future. The societal taboo surrounding drug use/addiction among teenagers prevents the widespread dissemination of information, hindering parental awareness and the implementation of preventive measures.
Referring to the effects of drugs, Nazinyan pointed out that certain drugs, such as synthetic drugs like methamphetamine, can lead to pathological addiction even after a single use. He explained that modern synthetic drugs tend to cause psychological addiction. Continuous drug use eventually results in addiction syndrome, leading to severe mental and physical health issues. This destructive process occurs rapidly and often goes unnoticed by the affected individual: a person is first destroyed mentally, then physically.
Regarding the increase in drug use among women, Nazinyan emphasized that in Armenia, a significant factor behind women’s drug use is their partners’ drug dependency. Out of 490 individuals receiving treatment, seven are women, and in all cases, the information suggests that their partners, who are also drug users, influenced their drug use.
Multiple studies conducted in various countries have consistently demonstrated a link between drug use and antisocial or criminal behavior. The illegal drug trade frequently serves as a fertile ground for serious crimes. Abundant evidence supports the notion that violence is pervasive in the drug trade, whether it involves territorial disputes among rival organizations or conflicts between buyers and sellers. The illegal drug industry consistently attracts people possessing a lot of money, weapon, and a predisposition towards aggression.
