Georgian police detain 34 in nationwide drug crackdown
Justice
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia on Friday announced the detention of 34 individuals over the past 24 hours on charges related to drug crimes, with most identified as large-scale drug traffickers.
Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, the Deputy Interior Minister, detailed the results of a special operation conducted in Tbilisi and various regions.
“The Ministry of Internal Affairs continues its uncompromising fight against the illegal trafficking and distribution of drugs across the entire country”, Darakhvelidze said.
The operation targeted both Georgian and foreign nationals, with some detainees accused of illegally acquiring and possessing particularly large quantities of drugs.
“Law enforcement conducted multiple controlled drug purchases under court orders, supported by covert audio-video recordings. Searches of the detainees’ personal belongings and residences yielded significant evidence, including large quantities of narcotic substances such as fentanyl, heroin, methadone, suboxone, and marijuana. Authorities also seized illegally sold drugs, funds believed to be proceeds from drug sales, unregistered firearms, and ammunition”, he noted.
“The investigation revealed that the detained individuals employed various distribution methods, including direct hand-to-hand sales and the drop-off method. The crimes carry penalties of up to 20 years or life imprisonment. The crime carries a penalty of up to 20 years or life imprisonment”, he continued.
Darakhvelidze emphasised that combating drug-related crimes remained a top priority for the Ministry.
“I would like to emphasise once again that the uncompromising fight against drug-related crimes remains a top priority for the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Accordingly, the police will continue to intensively implement strict measures, as defined by legislation, to combat drug-related crimes. Our agency will periodically provide the public with information regarding the results of the fight against drug-related crimes”, he said.
