Police arrest 119 people in nationwide anti-drug operation, including 49 suspected dealers

Georgian police have arrested 119 people on drug-related charges during coordinated operations carried out across Tbilisi and several regions over the past 48 hours, according to Tbilisi Police Department Director Vazha Siradze.

Speaking at a briefing, Siradze said 49 of those detained are suspected of drug trafficking, while the remaining suspects face various narcotics-related offences.

The detainees include both Georgian and foreign nationals.

Searches of suspects, their vehicles and homes led to the seizure of particularly large quantities of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Authorities said the confiscated substances included heroin, cocaine, alpha-PVP, methadone, mephedrone and buprenorphine.

Investigators also seized materials allegedly used for packaging drugs, cash believed to have been obtained through drug sales, as well as a large quantity of firearms and ammunition.

Siradze said law enforcement officers conducted multiple controlled purchases of narcotics from suspected dealers under court authorisation, accompanied by covert audio and video recordings.

Evidence obtained during the investigation allegedly showed that the suspects had been systematically selling drugs to customers in exchange for money.

The charges carry penalties of up to 20 years' imprisonment or life imprisonment.

Siradze said police units across the country would continue an “uncompromising fight” against organised crime and drug-related offences.

"I would like to thank every employee of the Interior Ministry for the successful implementation of this police operation," he said.