Brother of Armenian ambassador to US arrested on drug, weapons charges

The brother of Armenia’s newly appointed Ambassador to the United States, Narek Mkrtchyan, has been charged with illegal possession of drugs and firearms, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

According to Armenia’s Investigative Committee, Mkrtich Mkrtchyan was detained following a police stop in the town of Parakar on 3 September. During the incident, one of the vehicle’s passengers attempted to flee, discarding a pistol and a packet containing a powdery substance believed to be narcotics. The driver of the car was apprehended and taken into custody.

Authorities confirmed that a criminal case has been opened under Article 335, Part 1 of Armenia’s Criminal Code, which covers the illegal circulation of firearms, ammunition, and related materials.

As a preventive measure, Mkrtich Mkrtchyan has been placed under house arrest, with bail conditions and a travel ban imposed.

His brother, Narek Mkrtchyan, was appointed Armenia’s Ambassador to the United States at the end of August, having previously served as the country’s Minister of Labour and Social Affairs.

By Vugar Khalilov