The trip of a U.S. citizen visiting Armenia was unexpectedly interrupted at Zvartnots Airport due to medication found in her luggage. Although legally prescribed and widely used in international medical practice, the medication is considered a psychotropic substance under Armenian regulations, leading to her arrest and subsequent detention on charges of large-scale illegal circulation and smuggling.
The traveler stated that she had been undergoing treatment for mental health complications caused by injuries sustained during a peacekeeping mission. The medication found in her possession was legally prescribed by a licensed physician for therapeutic purposes and is permitted for use in the United States.
Her legal defense was entrusted to attorney Sipan Kesoyan of AM Law Firm. During the two-month investigation, the defense submitted international medical documentation and legal justifications proving that the medication had been brought into Armenia solely for personal treatment, without any intent to circulate or distribute it.
As a result, after nearly two months in detention, the citizen was released. The criminal prosecution against her was terminated, and the case was formally closed.
