Two arrested in Tbilisi for drug dealing

Police in Tbilisi have arrested two people on suspicion of illegally selling narcotics, with one of the suspects having a previous criminal conviction, according to Georgia's Interior Ministry.

The ministry on Tuesday said investigators carried out several controlled purchases of drugs from one of the suspects under a court order. Authorities also conducted covert audio and video recordings of the transactions, which police said confirmed the alleged criminal activity.

During searches of the suspects and their homes, officers seized narcotics allegedly prepared for sale, as well as cash believed to have been obtained through drug trafficking.

Police also recovered additional evidence from locations identified by the suspects, the ministry said.

The crime carries penalties of up to 20 years' imprisonment or life imprisonment upon conviction.