MP proposes tougher penalties for drug crimes

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian MP Hayk Sargsyan has introduced a legislative initiative proposing tougher penalties for illegal drug trafficking.

The draft was presented during a first-reading discussion at the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs.

The author noted that in some countries, certain drug-related offenses are punishable even by the death penalty, while others impose life imprisonment.

Statistical data were also presented: 1,707 cases were recorded in Armenia in 2022, 4,556 in 2023, 3,485 in 2024, and 4,172 in 2025. Sargsyan said the situation requires a stricter state response aligned with the seriousness of the crime.

The initiative proposes to amend three articles of the Criminal Code by defining the use of information or communication technologies as an aggravating circumstance. For example, if drug distribution is carried out via Telegram channels, the penalty would increase from 3–6 years to 4–8 years.

It is also proposed to include exploitation of a vulnerable condition as an aggravating factor, similarly raising penalties from 3–6 to 4–8 years. Particularly aggravating circumstances would include crimes involving minors, with sentences increasing from 3–6 years to 6–12 years.

In addition, the proposal seeks to toughen penalties for the production, processing, acquisition, storage, transportation, delivery, distribution, promotion, and illegal sale of drugs, raising sentences from 3–6 years to 5–8 years. The same acts, if committed by a group, for profit, on a large scale, in certain locations, or using technology, would carry 8–12 years instead of the current 4–8.

In especially serious cases—such as those involving criminal organizations, particularly large quantities, or minors—it is proposed to impose 4–20 years of imprisonment or life sentences.

The initiative also provides for stricter penalties for the illegal possession of narcotics without intent to distribute. Sargsyan noted that the draft has been discussed with government partners for more than a year, and most executive proposals have been incorporated.

During the discussion, the issue was raised whether stricter penalties are effective in combating addiction. Sargsyan said the measures are aimed at prevention.

In a related report, committee member Lilit Minasyan stated that stricter punishment alone does not solve the problem, noting that international experience shows it does not always reduce crime. Nevertheless, she expressed support for the draft at this stage, with the government’s proposals.

Deputy Justice Minister Gevorg Kocharyan clarified that the government is not opposed to tightening penalties in general and presented the executive’s proposals.

Following a vote, the committee approved the draft in a revised version incorporating the government’s proposals. Deputy committee chair Arusyaj Julhakyan said discussions will continue between the first and second readings with the participation of state bodies to reach coordinated solutions.