Interior Minister intercepts large drug shipment in Batumi

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia on Sunday announced the seizure of a large quantity of narcotics during a nighttime police operation in Batumi.

The Ministry noted that the narcotics were intended for distribution in Batumi’s night club scene, posing a major threat to public health, particularly amongst young people.

The police operation was carried out by the Batumi City Department of the Adjara Police Division.

Law enforcement confiscated nearly 3 kilograms of cocaine, about 13,000 ecstasy pills, and a significant amount of heroin, allegedly destined for local nightclubs.

Two Belarusian nationals were detained during the operation.

The offences carry a maximum sentence of up to 20 years or life imprisonment, according to the Criminal Code of Georgia, Articles 260 and 18-260.

Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, the Deputy Interior Minister, said that additional suspects may be identified in connection with the case.

“The Ministry of Internal Affairs continues its uncompromising fight against the illegal trafficking and distribution of narcotics across the entire country, applying the strictest measures provided by law against individuals accused of drug-related crimes. Our agency will periodically provide the public with information regarding the results of its efforts in combating drug-related crimes”, Darakhvelidze noted.