YEREVAN, DECEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. The Preclearance control and anti-smuggling task force and double customs control departments of the State Revenue Committee prevented the smuggling of approximately 1kg “methamphetamine” type narcotics at 03:50 on December 6 in Meghri customs house.

Inspectors searched the luggage of two Iranian citizens – who arrived to Armenia on the Tehran-Yerevan bus, and discovered the real content of one of the suspected passengers. The passenger used the side parts of the bag as a hiding place for the methamphetamine. A criminal case has been initiated in the investigations department of the State Revenue Committee on smuggling of narcotics. The two Iranian citizens are under arrest. Toxicology expertise is underway to determine several issues regarding the case. Investigation is underway to determine the possible further plans of export or sale of the narcotics, the SRC told ARMENPRESS.

Methamphetamine (contracted from N-methylamphetamine) is a strong central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that is mainly used as a recreational drug and less commonly as a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity. Methamphetamine was discovered in 1893 and exists as two enantiomers: levo-methamphetamine and dextro-methamphetamine. Methamphetamine properly refers to a specific chemical, the racemic free base, which is an equal mixture of levomethamphetamine and dextromethamphetamine in their pure amine forms. It is rarely prescribed due to concerns involving human neurotoxicity and potential for recreational use as an aphrodisiac and euphoriant, among other concerns, as well as the availability of safer substitute drugs with comparable treatment efficacy. Dextromethamphetamine is a much stronger CNS stimulant than levomethamphetamine.

Both methamphetamine and dextromethamphetamine are illicitly trafficked and sold owing to their potential for recreational use.

Under the Criminal Code of Armenia, more than 1.5 grams of the substance is considered to be especially large quantity. And according to studies, the street price of this drug is about 200-300 USD.

Narcotics smuggling cases are mainly uncovered on the Armenian-Iranian border, with smugglers coming up with new methods to enter the country.