The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has apprehended 18 individuals involved in drug-related offences across Tbilisi and surrounding regions.

Minister of Internal Affairs Gela Geladze announced this during today’s briefing.

“I would like to inform the public about the large-scale police operation we conducted. As a result of operations carried out in Tbilisi and various regions this morning, we arrested 18 suspects accused of drug crimes. Some are charged with drug distribution, while others face allegations of illegal purchase and storage.

The evidence collected indicates that the arrested individuals systematically organised the illegal drug trade, facilitating the placement of drugs in multiple locations and sending notifications to interested buyers. Drugs were also sold through direct hand-to-hand transactions and other methods. Based on a court’s order, law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of narcotics from those detained on charges of illegal trafficking, complemented by covert audio-visual recordings of these transactions. During searches of their personal and residential premises, law enforcement seized a significant amount of various types of narcotics as evidence.

Additionally, the investigation uncovered the illegal drugs sold by the suspects, packaging materials used for narcotics, and, presumably, the proceeds from their illegal sales. The crime is punishable by up to 20 years in prison or life imprisonment.

As you are aware, combating drug crime remains a top priority for our government. This commitment is reflected in recent legislative amendments adopted by the Georgian Parliament, which have significantly increased penalties for drug offences. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will continue its unwavering fight against the illegal circulation and distribution of drugs, employing all necessary measures to prevent substance abuse and bring offenders to justice by implementing strict measures under the law,” Gela Geladze emphasised during the briefing.