Six foreign nationals arrested over alleged large-scale drug cultivation, trafficking operation in Tbilisi

Georgia's Interior Ministry on Friday said six foreign nationals have been arrested on charges linked to an alleged organised drug trafficking network operating in Tbilisi.

According to investigators, members of the group are accused of illegally purchasing, storing and facilitating the distribution of large quantities of narcotics, as well as cultivating cannabis plants for commercial purposes.

The ministry said an intensive investigation found that the suspects had set up specialised indoor growing facilities in rented apartments across several districts of the capital. Authorities alleged the facilities were used to cultivate substantial quantities of cannabis intended for later distribution.

Police searches of the suspects and their temporary residences led to the seizure of large amounts of narcotic substances, including cocaine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabis plants and dried marijuana.

Investigators also said they recovered equipment and materials allegedly used for drug cultivation and packaging.

The case is being investigated under several provisions of Georgia's Criminal Code related to large-scale drug offences and the illegal cultivation of narcotic plants. If convicted, the suspects could face up to 20 years in prison or life imprisonment, according to the Interior Ministry.