The Ministry of Internal Affairs has arrested 77 individuals in a large-scale crackdown on drug-related crimes, including 23 identified as drug dealers, according to Teimuraz Kupatadze, director of the Central Criminal Police Department.

Kupatadze reported on Tuesday that the Central Criminal Police Department uncovered a transnational organized crime operation, seizing approximately 52 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a sea container of bananas. The shipment was transported from Ecuador to Europe via Georgia.

Investigative actions are ongoing to identify and arrest further members of the organized criminal group involved in this drug transit operation.

In a related operation, authorities dismantled a significant online drug sales network, which controlled over 50 percent of the black market. A Georgian citizen, born in 1963, who managed this network, was arrested. During a search of his residence, authorities seized approximately 4 kilograms of cocaine, 27,000 Ecstasy pills, and 10 kilograms of MDMA.

Combined efforts by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the General Prosecutor's Office resulted in the arrest of 77 individuals on drug charges, including 23 drug dealers. The detainees include citizens of Georgia, Iran, Turkey, Russia, India, and Nigeria, Kupatadze said. 

Based on judicial rulings, the police conducted controlled drug purchases from the accused, recording these transactions. Large quantities of narcotics and psychotropic substances, including heroin, cocaine, MDMA, Alpha PVP, methamphetamine, methadone, hashish, and other substances, were seized from the detainees' homes and vehicles, the official added. 

Significant amounts of money believed to be proceeds from drug sales were also confiscated as evidence.

The investigation is ongoing under Articles 260 and 262 of the Criminal Code of Georgia. These crimes carry penalties of up to 20 years or life imprisonment, Kupatadze stated.