The ruling Georgian Dream party has submitted a series of legislative amendments aimed at toughening penalties for drug-related offenses, including those involving cannabis and marijuana.
The proposed changes, which encompass amendments to eight different laws, have been introduced to Parliament. They include modifications to the Criminal Code, the Code of Administrative Offenses, and laws on Organized Crime and Racketeering.
Under the bill, the Criminal Code would be expanded to impose criminal liability for a range of drug-related offenses. These include the illegal manufacture, production, transportation, transfer, and sale of narcotic drugs, their analogues, precursors, and new psychotropic substances. Possession of such substances, including cannabis and marijuana, would also carry stricter penalties.
Administrative liability is set to be reinforced as well. The illegal manufacture, purchase, storage, transportation, forwarding, or use of a small quantity of narcotic drugs without a doctor’s prescription would result in harsher penalties.
The legislative package also defines key concepts related to drug trafficking, clarifying the legal status of drug traffickers and their associates. It sets out who may be considered a family member, close relative, or related person of a drug trafficker, and what assets may be deemed as belonging to them.
The bill also proposes restrictions for individuals convicted under certain provisions of the Code of Administrative Offenses. Those affected may face bans on driving, working in public service, and handling firearms for up to five years.
The amendments have been put forward by MPs from the ruling Georgian Dream party and the allied People’s Power faction.
