During the first 5 months of 2026, 1,313 cases of drug-related crime were recorded in the Republic, of which 1,269 related to illegal drug trafficking. In the same period of the previous year, this indicator was 1325. “Armenpress”At the press conference held in the press hall of the RA Ministry of Internal Affairs, the head of the Department of Criminological Analysis and Law Enforcement Cooperation, Police Colonel Vache Hovsepyan noted that there is also an increase in the sale of narcotics. In particular, in the first 5 months of 2026, 757 cases of drug sales were registered, compared to 802 cases in the same period last year.
“We direct our main potential to the detection of large consignments of illegal drug importation through smuggling. As a result, we are registering an increase in the volume of drugs taken out of illegal circulation. 243 kg of various types of narcotic drugs were taken out by the police units alone, which is almost double compared to the same period last year,” said Vache Hovsepyan.
An increase in statistical indicators is also observed in the National Addiction Treatment Center of the Ministry of Health. In particular, Gayane Vardazaryan, Deputy Director of the National Addiction Treatment Center of the Ministry of Health, informed that in the last 5 years, the number of people enrolled in the center has increased by 6.3 percent.
“Unfortunately, there is also an increase among women. The number of registered women has increased by 8 percent in the last 5 years. The number of minors counted does not increase, usually we have an index in the range of 6-9 per year. Our center has all the necessary conditions. Those people who have problems related to drug use or are already addicted can easily apply and get counseling,” said Gayane Vardazaryan, emphasizing that treatment is provided free of charge for all citizens of the Republic of Armenia.
The increase in numbers is due to the increase in the level of awareness. People turn to specialists without fear or constraint. Gayane Vardazaryan, of course, mentioned that it is impossible to deny that it has become much easier to purchase drugs through the Internet, especially since some types are available. Children also have access to unwanted information on the Internet. Vache Hovsepyan noticed that the development of information technologies creates a new level of access for any person, but statistics show that there is no tendency to increase the use of drugs and crimes by minors. In the first 5 months of the current year, 4 such cases were registered, compared to 5 cases in the same period last year.
The experts emphasized that the fight against the problem cannot be carried out by the forces of one department. A complex approach is needed, that’s why the strategic plan for combating illegal drug trafficking was approved in 2025. Romella Abovyan, Deputy Director of the National Addiction Treatment Center of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia for general issues, informed that this program implies multi-faceted cooperation between different departments. From 2026, direct work with schools has already started.
“We involved students of different age groups of schools, discussions were held. We organized their visit to the National Addiction Treatment Center. We also conducted joint trainings for young people with the Ministry of Education and Culture. Work with teachers and psychologists has started. Unified educational materials have also been developed, which will serve to carry out awareness activities in a more targeted and purposeful way,” said Romella Abovyan, emphasizing that not only doctors, but also psychologists and social workers are involved in this entire process.
