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During the first half of 2026, Armenia recorded 1,545 cases of drug trafficking, 196 cases, or 11.3%, fewer than during the same period last year (1,741).
The number of drug distribution cases decreased by 111, or 10.6%, from 1,051 to 940.
Acting Police Chief and Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Kamo Tsutsulyan announced these figures during a press conference on August 18.
“At the same time, as a result of measures taken by law enforcement agencies, 320 kg and 576 grams of various types of drugs were seized and removed from circulation, compared with 301 kg and 40 grams during the first six months of 2025. Of this amount, 17 kg and 486 grams were synthetic drugs, compared with 31 kg and 48 grams during the first six months of 2025.
“As you know, in recent years the internet has also become a source of drug distribution, with cases of drug trafficking through online channels showing an upward trend year after year. In the current year alone, 266 cases of illegal drug trafficking through the internet have been detected, including 76 cases involving drug distribution and 190 cases involving drug acquisition,” Chief Tsutsulyan said.
He also provided statistics on road traffic accidents.
During the first six months of 2026, Armenia recorded 2,146 road traffic accidents, compared with 2,072 during the same period last year. Despite the increase in the number of road traffic accidents, the number of fatalities resulting from such accidents decreased by 4, or 3.4%, compared with last year, and by 31, or 21.4%, compared with 2024.
“The situation is primarily attributable to the full-scale launch of the Patrol Service throughout the republic in 2024, as well as various systemic measures aimed at preventing road traffic accidents, particularly the upgrading of highways with modern video-recording equipment and the installation of such systems in high-risk areas,” Tsutsulyan said.
As a result, 523,377 administrative offense records (compared with 476,745 the previous year) were issued for violations of traffic rules. These included 11,090 cases of driving under the influence, 115,990 cases of driving without a seat belt, and 60,723 speeding violations.
In addition, the number of detected cases of people driving vehicles despite having been deprived of their driving privileges or having their driving rights suspended increased by 3,231, or 74.4%, from 4,343 to 7,574.
Tsutsulyan also noted that 354 vehicle theft cases involved extortion, compared with 370 the previous year.
“Given the prevalence of this type of crime, as well as the legitimate concerns expressed by residents, police services have carried out a number of targeted measures. As a result, 43 criminal groups involved in thefts from vehicles have been identified, 18 of which were engaged in extortion involving stolen spare parts and license plates.
“In addition, a legislative amendment has been initiated under which the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia provides for stricter penalties for thefts from vehicles. We expect to see a more positive picture this year,” Tsutsulyan said.