Deputy Minister: Armenia recognizes its special responsibility in the  global fight against drug trafficking

ArmInfo.An Armenian delegation led by Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Armen Ghazaryan is on a working visit to Vienna, where the 69th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs is taking place from March 9 to 11. The session is chaired by Ambassador Andranik Hovhannisyan, Permanent  Representative of the Republic of Armenia to the International Organizations based in Vienna.

In his speech, Armen Ghazaryan noted that the illegal production and  circulation of drugs continue to pose a serious and complex threat to  public health and security, state stability, and sustainable  development in a rapidly changing environment. According to the  Deputy Minister, the issue of illicit drug production and trafficking  cannot be effectively addressed within the mandate and capabilities  of any single law enforcement agency or organization.

 "As a country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Armenia  recognizes its special responsibility in the global fight against  drug trafficking and attaches great importance to expanding  international cooperation and concerted efforts. To achieve this  goal, Armenia closely cooperates with several international and  intergovernmental platforms. In particular, to counter the threat of  drug addiction, Armenia has joined the global coalition," Armen  Ghazaryan noted, emphasizing that in 2024, the Ministry of Internal  Affairs fully fulfilled its anti-drug obligations.

The Deputy Minister also emphasized that the fight against illicit  drug use must be comprehensive, balanced, and people-centered.  According to him, effective policy is based on the understanding that  behind every statistical figure are real people in need of support,  treatment, and rehabilitation opportunities.

In this context, Armen Ghazaryan recalled that in 2019, the Armenian  government adopted a new Strategy and Action Plan to Combat the  Non-Medical Use and Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic and Psychotropic  Substances. He also emphasized Armenia's strong commitment to  international cooperation and support in developing institutional and  professional capacity, sharing best practices, and further  strengthening technical and operational capabilities.

The Deputy Minister emphasized the role of the UN in facilitating  cooperation between Member States, as well as the Commission on  Narcotic Drugs and the World Health Organization. Concluding his  speech, Armen Ghazaryan reaffirmed Armenia's commitment to being  guided by international goals and principles in the fight against  drugs.