Georgia’s Interior Minister vows all-out fight against illegal drugs

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia on Thursday hosted an event dedicated to the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The event was attended by senior officials of the Ministry, representatives of various departments, Prosecutor General Giorgi Gvarakidze, and the Head of the Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance Mikheil Maghlakelidze.

Geka Geladze, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia, delivered a speech focused on effective strategies in the fight against drug-related crime.

The Minister underlined the state’s strict policy on drug crime and emphasised that the uncompromising fight against drug-related offenses remained one of the Ministry’s top priorities.

He also thanked the staff of the Ministry for their dedicated work.

Geladze noted that drug addiction and drug crime were global challenges, and Georgia was no exception.

“The distribution and consumption of narcotic substances pose a threat to national security, public health, and the well-being of every citizen. That is why the fight against drug crime remains one of the key priorities of our Government. This is evidenced by the recent legislative amendments adopted by the Georgian Parliament, which have significantly toughened penalties for drug trafficking. As a result, the effectiveness of drug enforcement units has increased in terms of prevention and interdiction”, he continued.

He further highlighted the legislative package initiated by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, which included banning private entities from conducting substitution therapy programs, prohibiting the import of psychotropic medications by private companies, and tightening the regulations for prescribing such substances.

Geladze stressed that the initiative would play a crucial role in the country’s anti-drug efforts.

“The Ministry of Internal Affairs, in its entirety, continues an intensive and uncompromising fight against the illegal circulation and distribution of narcotics in the country and will enforce the strictest legal measures against those charged with drug-related offenses”, he concluded.