Georgian Police detain 43 individuals on drug-related charges in nationwide police operation

The Georgian Interior Ministry on Thursday arrested 43 individuals as part of a large-scale special operation targeting illegal drug trafficking.

Georgian Interior Minister Geka Geladze stated that the detainees included both Georgian and foreign nationals.

“I would like to inform the public about another police operation carried out over the past 24 hours in Tbilisi and various regions of Georgia, targeting illegal drug trafficking. As a result, we have arrested 43 individuals charged with drug distribution, preparation and attempted distribution, as well as with the smuggling, purchase, and possession of especially large quantities of narcotics”, Geladze said.

In his statement, the Minister further noted that law enforcement officers had seized substantial quantities of various types of drugs from locations indicated by the suspects, as well as during searches of their persons, vehicles, and residences.

The crimes are punishable by up to 20 years or life imprisonment.

“Evidence obtained by investigators suggests that the suspects used a range of digital tools - including internet applications, social media platforms, and hand-to-hand exchange methods - for drug sales”, he continued.

“Police further carried out multiple controlled purchases of narcotics from the suspects under judicial warrants, with the transactions covertly audio and video recorded”, he added.

The Minister thanked the police units across the country for their ongoing 24-hour efforts to combat the illegal drug trade and said that complex operations to arrest drug dealers would continue.