More than 8,000 people prosecuted for drug trafficking as availability declines, PM

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has said the government's anti-drug campaign has significantly reduced the availability of illegal narcotics.

Speaking in Parliament on Friday, Kobakhidze said that more than 8,000 individuals have been prosecuted in connection with narcotics-related offenses, particularly drug trafficking and distribution.

“We have presented specific data. More than 8,000 people have been held accountable for narcotics-related crimes, including drug distribution,” the prime minister said.

Kobakhidze added law enforcement measures have led to the closure of locations where drugs were previously sold openly.

“For example, you can go to certain districts of Tbilisi where drugs were once sold almost openly, and today you will no longer be able to buy narcotics there,” he stated.

The prime minister added that similar changes have occurred in other areas across the country where illegal drug sales had previously been common.

Kobakhidze also pointed to rising prices for illegal narcotics as an indicator of reduced supply and accessibility.

“Prices for narcotic substances have increased approximately fivefold. This is one of the indicators showing that access to drugs has become extremely restricted,” he said.