Georgian Interior Minister: 43 People Detained in Tbilisi and Regions in the Past 24 Hours During Police Operation Against Drug Trafficking

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has detained 43 individuals in Tbilisi and other regions on charges related to drug-related crimes. This was announced at a press conference by Georgia's Minister of Internal Affairs, Geka Geladze.

According to the minister, large and especially large quantities of narcotic substances were seized as physical evidence.

“I would like to inform the public about another police operation carried out in the past 24 hours in Tbilisi and various regions against the illegal drug trade. As a result, 43 individuals were detained on charges of drug distribution, preparation for distribution, and attempted distribution, as well as for importing, acquiring, and storing narcotics in especially large quantities. Among the detainees are both Georgian and foreign nationals.

As a result of operational and investigative measures conducted throughout the country, drugs in large and especially large amounts were seized as evidence from locations identified by the suspects, as well as during searches of the detainees’ personal belongings, vehicles, and residences.

These crimes are punishable by up to 20 years in prison or life imprisonment.

Based on the evidence gathered, it has been established that the detainees used various online applications, social networks, and so-called ‘hand-to-hand’ methods to distribute narcotics.

With court approval, the police repeatedly conducted controlled drug purchases from those accused of illegal distribution, which were secretly audio and video recorded.

Officers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and its subordinate police units continue their round-the-clock, intensive efforts to combat illegal drug trafficking across the country and carry out complex operations to apprehend drug dealers. I thank each and every one of them for their work!” — Geka Geladze stated.