The Armavir Regional Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of Armenia continues preliminary investigation of the criminal case launched in relation to the poisoning of citizens of Armavir.

The press release of the Investigative Committee reads as follows:

“It turns out that several residents of the city of Armavir obtained a strange alcoholic drink that didn’t comply with the requirements for safety of consumers and their health and were poisoned (7 people died, another 3 are in critical condition).

Through the actions taken by investigators, resident of Armavi Ashot Hovsepyan (born in 1970) was detained on suspicion of selling products not complying with safety requirements.

Operative measures are being taken to find another 30 liters of the alcoholic drink and to identify all the buyers.”

On Monday and Tuesday, a report was received that ten people had been admitted to Armavir Medical Center on suspicion of poisoning, according to preliminary data, and diagnosed with alcohol intoxication, reported the Ministry of Health of Armenia.

Three of them died in the Armavir hospital. Other four were taken to "Armenia" Republican Medical Center in Yerevan, where they died, too.

Another patient is at the intensive care unit of Erebouni Medical Center in Yerevan, and doctors say he is in critical condition.

Doctors say the two persons who were transferred from Armavir Medical Center to “Armenia” hospital are in severe condition.

Another resident of Armavir province applied to "Armenia" hospital with the same symptoms, but refused medical assistance in writing and was discharged.

In addition, four people from Yerevan applied to "Armenia" hospital, again with the same symptoms, but they have died.

There are currently 11 deaths from alcohol intoxication, according to preliminary data.

And one patient with suspected poisoning is at the intensive care unit of "Heratsi" Hospital Complex No. 1 in Yerevan.

All these data are preliminary, and epidemiological studies are being performed.