Georgia police detain 11 in major drug trafficking crackdown

Law enforcement authorities in Georgia have detained 11 individuals in a large-scale anti-drug operation carried out across multiple districts of Tbilisi, the Ministry of Internal Affairs announced.

The arrests were conducted by officers from the Tbilisi Police Department’s main divisions, including Didube-Chughureti, Isani-Samgori, Old Tbilisi, Vake-Saburtalo, and Gldani-Nadzaladevi.

According to the ministry, those detained include both individuals with prior criminal records and foreign nationals. They face charges of illegal acquisition, possession, distribution, and facilitation of drug trafficking involving large and especially large quantities. Some suspects are also accused of illegally cultivating narcotic plants.

Police carried out searches at the suspects’ residences, in their vehicles, and at additional locations they identified. Authorities reported the seizure of multiple narcotic substances, including methadone, alpha-PVP, morphine, codeine, dried marijuana, and tetrahydrocannabinol.

Investigators also conducted controlled purchases from one of the suspects, using covert audio and video recording as part of the operation.

In addition to drugs, officers confiscated packaging materials used for distributing narcotics, as well as funds believed to have been obtained through drug sales.

The investigation is ongoing under provisions of the criminal code that allow for penalties of up to 20 years in prison or life imprisonment.

By Tamilla Hasanova