Georgian law enforcement arrest 44 in drug operation

Police in Georgia have detained 44 people on drug-related charges and seized what officials described as “particularly large quantities” of narcotics.

Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze said on Friday the arrests followed large-scale operations in capital Tbilisi and several regions. Those detained have been accused of offences ranging from the sale and attempted sale of drugs to facilitating distribution and bringing narcotics into the country.

Both Georgian nationals and foreign citizens are among the suspects.

Investigators carried out covert surveillance, including controlled purchases of drugs, with audio and video recordings used as evidence, the MIA said. During searches of homes, vehicles and locations identified by the suspects, police recovered substantial quantities of drugs, as well as packaging materials, adhesive tape, electronic scales and a firearm, the Deputy Minister added. 

Darakhvelidze said the Interior Ministry “continues its uncompromising fight” against the illegal drug trade. He added that in the past two months alone, 1,417 people had been arrested on drug charges, many of them alleged dealers.

Those detained now face prosecution under several articles of Georgia’s criminal code, carrying sentences of up to 20 years or life imprisonment.