Parliament official says Gov't will be “extremely strict” with anyone facilitating drug distribution

Archil Gorduladze, the Chair of the Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee, on Tuesday emphasised that the Georgian Government would adopt the “strictest possible” measures against drug distribution and those who were facilitating it.

In his remarks, Gorduladze discussed the Georgian Government’s upcoming anti-drug reform, which would introduce tougher penalties for drug-related offences and the toughest response from lawmakers, police, prosecutors, and the state as a whole.

“A person who sells drugs, meaning someone who gains material benefit or money from selling them, will face the harshest responsibility for any type of drug. Anyone who dares to facilitate drug distribution in any form, assist in its sale, or cover for those involved will face the strictest response from lawmakers, the police, prosecutors, and the state as a whole. Figuratively speaking, we will cut off the hands of those trying to aid in drug distribution in our country”, the Parliament official said.

He further warned that those who aid in drug distribution, including providing cover for dealers, would face severe legal consequences.

“Drug users will have their driver's licences revoked for three years. This applies to all types of licences. Additionally, they will be banned from engaging in teaching or holding public office for five years, whether it’s a position in public service or a right to engage in certain professional activities. If a citizen refuses to follow a police officer for testing or fails to provide the necessary medical report, this will be considered an attempt to evade testing and will result in the same penalties and sanctions as those imposed on drug users”, Gorduladze concluded.

Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Executive Secretary of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Monday said the anti-drug reform had been developed in collaboration with the Prime Minister of Georgia and the Government.

In his remarks, Mdinaradze noted that one of the main initiators of the anti-drug and healthy lifestyle promotion campaign was the Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili.