Border opening and narcotics
The Armenian government is granting 133,500 drams for 24-hour treatment of drug addicts.
According to head of the Narcological Clinic, Petros Semerjyan, drug addiction is growing all over the world, including in Armenia.
"Everyone is talking about reducing drug addiction and not eliminating it," he says.
During a press conference today, vice-chairman of the National Assembly's standing committee on healthcare, Mkrtich Minasyan, reminded journalists that narco-business is one of the most profitable businesses.
According to the NA Deputy, whereas before the drug user was arrested, after the adoption of the new law in 2008, drug users are brought to justice. However, the law is stricter for distributors and sellers.
As far as the activation of drug trade after the possible opening of the Turkish-Armenian border is concerned, Mkrtich Minasyan said:
"I welcome the opening of the Turkish-Armenian border, but there are concerns that there will be issues like that. Our law-enforcement bodies must be careful and take adequate measures."
Studies have shown that drug addiction includes all groups of society. The rich use expensive drugs, while the socially insecure use the cheap drugs.
Cocaine is the most expensive drug and one gram costs 200 dollars.
The clinic has treated 1,140 people and there are generally 30,000 drug addicts. During treatment, 12 women were registered as drug addicts.
