Georgian Police detain 108 individuals in major anti-drug operation across country

Law enforcement authorities in Georgia have detained 108 individuals involved in drug trafficking and related activities as a result of a large-scale special operation conducted over the past 72 hours.

Speaking at a briefing held at the ministry of internal Affairs, deputy minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze stated that those arrested include both Georgian citizens and foreign nationals.

According to the investigation, the majority of the detainees were actively engaged in the illegal sale of narcotics.

“The employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia continuously carry out relevant police measures against the illegal circulation and distribution of drugs”, Darakhvelidze said. “As a result of intensive operational and investigative activities conducted nationwide over the past 72 hours, 108 individuals involved in drug distribution and support have been arrested”.

The detainees face charges including illegal purchase and possession of large and especially large quantities of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, drug trafficking, facilitating drug sales, and illegal cultivation of plants containing narcotic substances.

Investigators established that most of the suspects were part of organized criminal schemes for drug distribution. Based on court orders, police carried out multiple controlled purchases of narcotics, which were covertly recorded through audio and video surveillance. These undercover operations provided clear evidence of criminal activity.

Authorities also identified and detained individuals who planned to distribute large quantities of drugs and psychotropic substances smuggled into the country via international parcels.

In addition, police prevented another large-scale attempt to distribute наркотics and arrested a foreign national. The investigation revealed that the suspect had placed various types of drugs at more than 600 locations across the Imereti and Adjara regions for subsequent distribution. Photographs with marked locations were discovered on the suspect’s mobile phone.

During searches of suspects’ personal belongings, residences, and vehicles, as well as through investigative experiments, law enforcement officers seized significant quantities of drugs prepared for sale. These included cocaine, heroin, methadone, alpha-PVP, MDMA, buprenorphine, and clephedrone.

Police also confiscated materials used for packaging drugs and money believed to have been obtained through illegal drug sales.

The investigation is ongoing under multiple articles of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which carry penalties of up to 20 years or life imprisonment.

The ministry of internal affairs stated that it will continue to regularly inform the public about the results of operations against drug-related crime. Authorities emphasized their commitment to maintaining an uncompromising fight against illegal drug circulation and ensuring that all individuals involved are held fully accountable under the law.