Armenian government adopts anti-drug strategy

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian government has approved the national strategy to combat the illegal circulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, along with its 2025–2027 action plan.

The strategy sets three key objectives: preventing non-medical use of drugs and psychotropic substances; fighting illegal circulation of narcotics, psychotropics, their precursors, preparations, analogues, and derivatives; and ensuring evidence-based, ethical, gender-sensitive medical care, psycho-social support, rehabilitation, reintegration, and public health protection for users.

According to Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan, the government will continue prioritizing the detection of importation and production over sales. This approach led to a drop in drug-related crimes in 2024.

“In 2018, there were 877 recorded cases. By 2023, the figure rose to 5,070. However, in 2024, following the strategy's revision and a focus on import and production chains, the number dropped to 3,639,” said Sargsyan.

She also noted that law enforcement removed around 426 kilograms of illegal drugs from circulation in 2024—roughly 200 kilograms more than in 2023. In early 2025, 173 kilograms had already been seized.

Sargsyan added that one criminal group attempted to distribute about 35 kilograms of narcotics in Armenia, resulting in arrests.

The strategy also includes stricter control over drug circulation in the armed forces, police, and public schools.

Each strategic objective involves diverse actions across 13 defined directions.