If you were a drug dealer, having another job that pays you to drive around town would probably complement your endeavor. Yeah?

Glendale police this week say 23-year-old Artak Avakian is an Uber driver who “used the position as a cover to sell drugs,” according to a statement.

Cops arrested Avakian at 4 p.m. on Tuesday after receiving a tip that he's a “suspected drug dealer,” they said. 

Officers went to a residence in the 1100 block of Thompson Avenue in Glendale and conducted surveillance for about 45 minutes before making an arrest, according to police.

Avakian was observed “in a narcotics transaction on Thompson Avenue,” stated Glendale police spokeswoman Tahnee Lightfoot.

Authorities say they found a treasure trove at the residence: 

(3) Rifles, (1) Shotgun, (1) Pistol, $19,670.00 cash, over 450 prescription pills including opiates and amphetamines, 20 mdma/ecstasy pills, 13 baggies of cocaine, 1 ounce of psilocybin, 1 baggie of methamphetamine, digital scale and packaging, and cell phone with several text messages indicative of narcotics sales.


Avakian was arrested on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine and possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, cops said. He bailed out on Wednesday.

The suspect has been driving for Uber for two years, they said.

Avakian was due in court Nov. 13. Investigators are asking anyone with more information on the driver to call them at 818-548-4911.

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