Three residents of Yerevan were detained at the moment they collected parcels from a drug stash.[1][2] Investigators working jointly with police officers had established the location of the hidden drugs before the detention.[1][2] All three detainees were placed under arrest, and the preliminary investigation is continuing.[1][2] The detention was reported from Yerevan on 8 September.[1]

The case concerns about 5 kg of marijuana that, according to investigators, a foreign citizen smuggled into Armenia.[1][2] The Investigative Committee described the consignment as marijuana in an especially large amount.[1] The three face public criminal prosecution under point 2 of part 3 of Article 393 of Armenia’s Criminal Code.[1][2] That provision covers unlawful trafficking of narcotics in an especially large amount for sale or attempted unlawful sale.[1][2]

The account was issued through the press service of the republic’s Investigative Committee.[1] The account carries the standard notice that a suspect is presumed innocent until guilt is proved by a final court judgment under Armenia’s criminal-procedure rules.[1]