Armenia is not a major drug-producing country, and domestic abuse of drugs is modest, says the new State Department report.

The 2013 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) issued by State Department indicates Armenia isles attractive for drug trafficking.

“Because Armenia is landlocked and the two longest of its four borders (with Turkey and Azerbaijan) are closed, the resulting limited transport options make the country less attractive for drug trafficking. With assistance from the United States and European Union, Armenia continues to develop and implement an integrated border management regime, improving its ability to detect illegal narcotics shipments.”

The report says the most common illicit drug in Armenia is marijuana, most of which is grown locally. Both marijuana and poppies grow in the wild, and the government sponsors an annual eradication event in August. In 2012, a combined total of nearly 82 metric tons were destroyed.

“Narcotics seizures declined overall in 2012. According to police, the overwhelming majority of illicit drug imports are opiates originating from Afghanistan transiting through Iran, with a smaller volume entering from Turkey via Georgia (as the Turkish border is closed to all traffic),” the report said.

It is mentioned that the authorities have seized smaller quantities of the synthetic opioid buprenorphine from flights originating in France and from parcels mailed from France and Spain.

“Drug addiction treatment resources have increased in recent years, and since 2009 prior use has been decriminalized for those who seek treatment.”