The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has detained two individuals for the illegal possession and acquisition of significant quantities of narcotics, as well as for their unlawful import into and export from Georgia.

As the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, announced at a briefing, 250 kilograms of the narcotic substance heroin have been seized, with an estimated black market value of approximately GEL 80 million.

“I wish to inform the public about a large-scale police operation carried out by personnel of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Law enforcement officers have uncovered and thwarted yet another instance of international drug trafficking. The police have seized 250 kilograms of the narcotic substance heroin, with an estimated black market value of approximately 80 million lari.

Two Georgian nationals, both previously convicted of drug-related offences, have been detained for the illegal possession and acquisition of an exceptionally large quantity of narcotics, as well as their unlawful smuggling into and export from Georgia. The offence carries a penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment or life imprisonment.

Evidence gathered by investigators reveals that a lorry, which, according to customs documentation, was loaded with ‘wet wipes’, entered Georgia from a neighbouring country via the Red Bridge customs checkpoint. During a thorough inspection of the cargo at the Batumi clearance zone, law enforcement officers discovered 250 kilograms of the narcotic substance heroin, concealed within packets of wet wipes and organised into 2,907 parcels. Following further investigative measures in connection with the case, law enforcement also seized two parcels of heroin from the residence of one of the accused individuals.

The police operation was carried out by officers from the Central Criminal Police Department, in cooperation with personnel from the General Prosecutor’s Office and the Customs Department of the Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance. Together with other relevant agencies, we continue to pursue comprehensive measures to identify those involved in drug-related offences and ensure they are brought to justice.

The investigation is ongoing under Articles 260 and 262 of the Criminal Code of Georgia. This successful police operation once again demonstrates that our country’s law enforcement officers have the necessary resources and professionalism to detect and prevent crimes of this nature.

I wish to extend particular thanks to all the police officers and customs department employees who were involved in uncovering this crime,” Aleksandre Darakhvelidze stated at the briefing.