2,370 drug-related crimes identified, 1,712 individuals held accountable, says Deputy Interior Minister

Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, the Deputy Interior Minister, on Friday announced that 2,370 drug-related crimes had been identified and 1,712 individuals prosecuted.

In his remarks, Darakhvelidze highlighted intensified police efforts, revealing that two foreign nationals were detained for illegal acquisition and storage of large quantities of narcotics and cultivation of cannabis.

“We would like to provide the public with information regarding police operations carried out by the Ministry of Internal Affairs over the past few days. As previously communicated to the public, as a result of operational and investigative actions conducted by employees of the Central Criminal Police Department in recent days, two foreign nationals have been detained on charges of illegal acquisition and storage of particularly large amounts of narcotic substances and illegal cultivation of plants containing narcotic substances in particularly large quantities”, Darakhvelidze said.

The suspects had allegedly established a laboratory for producing liquid “cocaine” and a greenhouse containing 20 cannabis plants.

Authorities seized over 7 litres of liquid cocaine, 40 grams of cocaine crystals, and various packaging materials.

The Deputy Minister emphasised that these crimes were punishable by up to 20 years or life imprisonment under Georgian law.

“The crime carries a penalty of up to 20 years or life imprisonment. The Ministry of Internal Affairs continues its uncompromising fight against drug-related crimes and will take the strictest measures provided by law against those distributing narcotic substances. We remind the public that the Georgian Parliament has significantly tightened penalties for drug-related crimes, specifically for the acquisition, storage, and distribution of narcotic substances. Additionally, administrative detention has been introduced for drug consumption. In the recent period, law enforcement officers have identified 2,370 drug-related crime cases. Additionally, 1,712 individuals have been held accountable for committing these crimes, including 157 individuals for distributing narcotic substances”, he noted.

In total, police seized 4,500 tablets of Subutex and Suboxone, 2.5 kg of methadone, 1 kg of Alpha-PVP, 2.7 kg of pregabalin (Lyrica), 72 kg of marijuana, and 150 kg of cannabis plants.

Darakhvelidze also reported intensified enforcement of road safety regulations. Over the recent period, police recorded 104,484 traffic violations, including 682 cases of illegally tinted windows, 4,830 cases of improper use of bus lanes, 683 cases of driving under the influence, and 8 cases of unauthorised use of flashing lights.

“The Ministry continues its uncompromising fight against drug-related crimes and will apply the strictest measures under the law”, Darakhvelidze said.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to 24/7 law enforcement and urged all citizens to adhere to legal and safety regulations.