Minister: combating illegal drug trafficking a priority

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia's Minister of Internal Affairs, Arpine Sargsyan, emphasized that combating illegal drug trafficking is a priority, with ongoing efforts in this direction.

She highlighted the importance of strengthening border controls and detecting drug production laboratories in the fight against illicit drug circulation. In recent months, police have seized tens of kilograms of drugs through major operations, including 25 kg and 18 kg batches at border areas, as well as 30 kg in recent days., Armenpress reports.

To effectively counter this challenge, relevant police units are being equipped with new technologies, and staff training programs are ongoing. The minister also noted that strengthening international cooperation is crucial in this area, as illegal drug trafficking often involves organized criminal groups operating across various countries.​

Sargsyan mentioned that she was familiar with the main challenges of the ministry during her tenure as deputy minister, but her role as minister has increased her responsibility. According to her, many of the implemented reforms have already yielded results, while some areas require new institutional approaches.​

The minister also discussed new projects launched in 2024, including improvements to passport services, the development of a migration strategy, and the digitization of services provided to citizens. She emphasized that police reforms are proceeding with a strategic approach, with established structures like the Patrol Service, Criminal and Community Police, as well as the ongoing process of creating the Police Guard, expected to be completed by November 2024.​

She also noted that the dialogue on visa liberalization with the EU has entered a practical phase, with an action plan set to be developed in the near future.​

In summary, the minister stated that the success of reforms largely depends on the effective management of human resources. She emphasized that in the police sector, it is important to enhance staff training, improve the performance evaluation system, and ensure continuous professional development.​

She highly valued the bilateral strategic partnership between Armenia and the United States. She highlighted that the U.S. has consistently supported the implementation of reforms in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, especially in the areas of police and disaster risk management.​

The document signed in Washington also includes provisions for further cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, within which it is planned to continue improving police education, measures aimed at ensuring public safety, as well as developing the capacities of law enforcement agencies to more effectively combat crime.​

Addressing the overall crime situation in the country, the minister noted that the number of recorded crimes in 2024 decreased by 1.1% compared to the same period last year. However, the rising trends in certain types of crimes are concerning, prompting the development of a comprehensive crime prevention strategy.​

Speaking about the fight against illegal arms circulation, Sargsyan mentioned that through extensive operational measures, the police continue to detect and remove large quantities of weapons and ammunition from illegal circulation. The ministry has developed a draft proposing amendments to the "Regulation of Arms Circulation" law, which will eliminate double standards regarding award weapons. Simultaneously, it is planned to prohibit the sale of folding knives and similar items to minors.​

Regarding the activities of the Patrol Police, the minister noted that the service has been fully implemented throughout the republic, and since 2023, the Water Patrol Service has also been operational. In 2024, compared to 2023, the number of traffic accidents decreased by 299, the number of fatalities by 45, and injuries by 421. However, to enhance the service's effectiveness, it is planned to introduce an annual mandatory retraining regulation, replacing the previous procedure of retraining once every three years.​

Addressing the claims in Human Rights Watch's 2024 report regarding the law enforcement system, the minister stated that no cases are concealed in Armenia, and legal processes are built on factual grounds. She emphasized that the standard for the use of force must be clearly defined so that police actions have clear criteria, which will also contribute to the proper understanding of this issue among the public.​

In conclusion, the minister reaffirmed that the modernization of the law enforcement system, protection of human rights, fight against illegal drugs, and ensuring public safety remain at the core of the Ministry of Internal Affairs' reforms.​