Georgian authorities seize 103kg of methamphetamine in international drug trafficking raid

Georgia’s Central Criminal Police Department has seized up to 103 kilograms of methamphetamine with an estimated black market value of around 30 million lari, according to the department’s director, David Kiknadze.

The operation was carried out jointly by the Interior Ministry’s Central Criminal Police Department and the Customs Department of the Finance Ministry’s Revenue Service following what officials described as coordinated operational and investigative measures targeting international drug trafficking.

Police said one person has been arrested on charges of illegally purchasing, possessing and importing an especially large quantity of narcotics into Georgia.

According to investigators, a truck belonging to a private company entered Georgia from a neighbouring country while transporting caustic soda and was intended to transit onward to a third country. During a detailed inspection of the cargo, law enforcement officers discovered methamphetamine concealed inside sacks within the shipment.

Authorities said the seized narcotics amount to nearly 103 kilograms of methamphetamine, which officials estimate would be worth approximately 30 million lari on the black market.

Investigators added that intensive operations are continuing to identify and prosecute other individuals potentially linked to the case.

The investigation is being conducted under Articles 260 and 262 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, offences that carry penalties of up to 20 years or life imprisonment.