Increase in latent crimes and drug trafficking: Armenian Interior Minister summarizes nine-month results
YEREVAN, November 3. /ARКА/. Armenia has seen a rise in hidden crimes and drug trafficking during the first nine months of 2025, alongside an increase in the crime detection rate. This information was shared by Armenian Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan.
"The instances of illegal drug trafficking rose by 391, and illegal arms trafficking increased by 299. A total of 415 kg 281 grams of various drugs were confiscated, nearly double the amount from the same timeframe in 2024. Among these, over 37 kg were synthetic substances. The detection and seizure of illegal weapons surged by 59%," Sargsyan mentioned during a discussion regarding the 2026 draft state budget in parliament.
She noted that, in the first nine months, serious and particularly serious crimes saw a 0.7% decline, while the detection rate improved. Specifically, the detection rate for particularly serious crimes rose by 9.9%, for serious crimes by 5.8%, and the number of defendants increased by 3.5%.
"The murder structure is primarily composed of domestic-related crimes, with no significant rise in such cases. Murders represent 0.2% of the total crime count. While the global average stands at 5.8 murders per 100,000 individuals, the latest statistics show that in Armenia, this figure was 2 in 2021, 1.9 in 2022, 1.8 in 2023, and 2 in 2024," Sargsyan stated.
She also indicated a 4% reduction in crimes committed by minors.
"Economic crime damages over the first nine months reached 25 billion drams. Three criminal organizations involved in investment fraud were identified, leading to charges against 18 individuals," Sargsyan added.
Additionally, she reported that 1,443 thefts were documented on public transport, reflecting a 5.4% decrease from the previous year. The police dismantled 16 theft rings and four extortion groups.
"At the same time, there was a 10.7% increase in the number of road accidents, but the death toll decreased by 43," Sargsyan said.-0-
