Two arrested in central Georgia on major drug charges

Police in Georgia have arrested two men on suspicion of large-scale drug offences following an operation in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region in central part of the country. 

The Interior Ministry said on Tuesday the officers from the Kazbegi and Dusheti district police units detained a Russian citizen born in 2000 and a Georgian national, born in 1987, who has a previous criminal record.

According to investigators, the suspects were accused of purchasing and storing drugs, facilitating their illegal distribution, and cultivating cannabis plants in particularly large quantities.

During searches of their homes, police said they seized dried marijuana, 10 cannabis plants, packaging materials, adhesive tapes, an electronic scale and cash.

The ministry added that the offences carry penalties of up to 20 years in prison or a life sentence. The investigation is ongoing under Georgia’s criminal code.