MIA arrests 135 people on drug crimes, including 55 suspected drug dealers

A total of 135 people have been arrested on drug-related charges following operational measures and investigative activities carried out by law enforcement officers in Tbilisi and various regions of Georgia over the past several days, the Ministry of Internal Affairs said at a briefing.

According to the ministry, 55 of those arrested were allegedly involved in drug trafficking in various forms. Both Georgian and foreign nationals are among those detained.

“The investigation has established that the detained individuals used various methods to distribute narcotic substances,” the ministry said.

According to the statement, police conducted several controlled purchases of narcotic substances under court orders, with the transactions secretly recorded in audio and video.

During searches of the suspects, their vehicles and residences, as well as locations indicated by them, law enforcement officers seized particularly large quantities of various narcotic and psychotropic substances. Money allegedly obtained from the illegal sale of drugs and illegally acquired firearms were also seized as evidence.

The investigation is being conducted under Articles 260, 260¹, 260³, 261, 263, 265¹ and 236 of Georgia’s Criminal Code. The charges carry penalties of up to 20 years’ imprisonment or life imprisonment.

The Interior Ministry said it continues efforts to identify drug dealers and individuals involved in the illegal circulation of narcotics.

“Any person involved in the illegal circulation of narcotic substances, drug trafficking or facilitating such activities will be punished with the full force of the law,” the ministry said.