Nine arrested as police seize commercial quantities of narcotics in anti-trafficking operation

Officers from the Central Criminal Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) have arrested nine individuals in a series of targeted operations against illegal drug trafficking. The suspects face charges of unlawful acquisition, possession, and facilitating the distribution of narcotics on a commercial scale.

According to the ministry, those detained include both Georgian nationals and foreign citizens.

“Operational intelligence and investigative measures established that the suspects were embedded in organised narcotics distribution networks. Specifically, they utilised messaging apps and social media platforms to stash drugs at designated “dead-drop” locations for onward sale, subsequently transmitting exact GPS coordinates and photographic markers to prospective buyers.

‘Following searches of the suspects’ persons and residences, as well as reconstruction exercises at drop sites identified during questioning, law enforcement officers recovered large-scale quantities of illicit drugs prepared for retail distribution. The seized haul includes cocaine, methadone, synthetic cannabinoids (commonly known as “spice” or “bio”), and cannabis,” an official statement read.

Officers also seized packaging materials and cash suspected to be proceeds of crime.

An investigation has been launched under Articles 260 and 260-quater of the Criminal Code of Georgia. If convicted, the suspects face prison terms ranging from 20 years to life.