Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs discloses details of major anti-drug operation

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has released details of a large-scale special operation targeting drug-related crime. According to Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, 44 individuals have been arrested, and a significant quantity of various types of narcotics has been seized.

Darakhvelidze emphasised that the Ministry continues its uncompromising fight against the illegal circulation and distribution of drugs. In recent weeks, law enforcement officers have identified and prevented multiple instances of drug trafficking.

“The Ministry of Internal Affairs continues its uncompromising fight against the illegal circulation and distribution of drugs. As a result of measures carried out by law enforcement officers, numerous cases of drug trafficking have been identified and prevented in recent times”, Darakhvelidze said.

The Deputy Minister noted that police conducted extensive operations in Tbilisi and several regions, detaining both Georgian citizens and foreign nationals. The arrests were made on charges including drug trafficking, attempted trafficking, facilitation of distribution, preparation for sale, as well as possession and storage of narcotics in especially large quantities.

“44 individuals were arrested on charges of drug distribution, preparation for distribution, attempted distribution, facilitation of distribution, and the importation and possession of particularly large quantities of narcotic substances in Georgia. Various types of narcotics in especially large amounts were seized”, he noted.

During the investigation, authorized by court orders, law enforcement agencies carried out a number of covert operations, including controlled purchases of drugs and secret audio-video recordings.

Searches of vehicles, homes, and other locations linked to the suspects uncovered large quantities of packaged drugs, along with materials used for packaging, adhesive tapes, electronic scales, and even a firearm in one case.

Darakhvelidze also highlighted that in the past two months alone, police have arrested and brought to justice 1,417 individuals on drug-related charges, a significant portion of whom were drug dealers.