Nine arrested on drug charges in Georgia, Interior Ministry says

Police in Georgia have arrested nine individuals on suspicion of drug-related offences, the Ministry of Internal Affairs announced on Saturday.

The arrests were carried out at different times by officers from the Central Criminal Police Department, as well as regional divisions in Tbilisi, Adjara, Kvemo Kartli and Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti.

Authorities said those detained include both Georgian and foreign nationals, as well as individuals with prior criminal convictions.

The Ministry added searches of the suspects’ persons, homes and adjoining properties led to the seizure of large quantities of narcotics allegedly prepared for distribution. Officers also recovered drugs from locations identified by the suspects during investigative procedures.

The substances confiscated include mephedrone, methadone, buprenorphine, morphine, codeine, thebaine, heroin, alpha-PVP, cocaine and marijuana.

Police added that materials used for packaging narcotics were also seized, along with cash believed to be proceeds from drug sales.

If convicted, the suspects could face penalties of up to 20 years’ imprisonment or life in custody, the Ministry said.