Police: Uber Driver's Real Job May Have Been Dealing Drugs
GLENDALE (CBSLA.com) — An Uber driver may have been using his job for the past two years as a cover for his work as a drug dealer, police said Friday.
Artak Avakian, 23, was arrested Tuesday at a home in the 1100 block of Thompson Avenue, where a tipster told police of a prescription drug dealer. Avakian was released after posting $30,000 bail Wednesday and is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 13.
After receiving the tip, police say detectives conducted surveillance on the residence and detained Avakian after observing him in a narcotics transaction on Thompson Avenue.
In a search of Avakian's home, police say they found three rifles, a shotgun, a pistol, $19,6700 in cash, more than 450 prescription pills, including opiates of amphetamines, 20 Ecstasy pills, 13 baggies of cocaine, an ounce of psilocybin, a baggie of methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia.
During the investigation, detectives learned Avakian was employed as an Uber driver for two years. Police say the suspect used the position as a cover to sell drugs.
KCAL9's Rachel Kim tried to reach Avakian for comment but he was unavailable. It was also unclear if he was still employed by Uber.
Anyone with information about Avakian can contact the Glendale Police Department at (818) 548-4911.
