18 individuals arrested in major drug-related operation across Tbilisi and regions, Interior Minister announces

In a major anti-drug operation carried out early this morning in Tbilisi and several regions of Georgia, law enforcement officers arrested 18 individuals on drug-related charges, Interior Minister Geka Geladze announced at a press briefing on Tuesday.

“I would like to inform the public about the large-scale police operation conducted at dawn today in Tbilisi and across multiple regions. As a result, we have arrested 18 individuals suspected of drug-related offenses. Some are charged with the sale of narcotics, while others face charges for illegal possession and storage of narcotic substances”, the Minister said.

Geladze noted that evidence obtained during the investigation indicates that individuals charged with drug distribution were regularly involved in the illegal sale of narcotics.

As he noted, based on the judge's ruling, the police repeatedly carried out controlled drug purchases from the individuals arrested and secretly recorded audio and video recordings of these purchases.

Their activities included placing drugs at various locations and sending location information to interested buyers, as well as conducting hand-to-hand or alternative methods of drug transactions.

As part of the investigation, police conducted multiple controlled purchases of narcotics from the suspects, under court-issued warrants, and documented the transactions with covert audio and video recordings. Subsequent searches of the suspects' residences and personal belongings resulted in the seizure of large and particularly large quantities of various narcotic substances.

Additionally, police recovered drugs that had been previously sold illegally, packaging materials used for distribution, and cash presumably obtained through illicit drug sales. The offenses are punishable by up to 20 years or even life imprisonment under Georgian law.

“As you know, combating drug crime is one of the top priorities of our government. This is demonstrated by recent legislative changes adopted by the Georgian Parliament, which significantly tightened penalties for drug trafficking. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will continue its uncompromising fight against the illegal circulation and distribution of drugs and will apply the full force of the law against those involved in drug-related crimes”, the Minister concluded.