Briefing by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Geka Geladze:
I would like to inform the public regarding another successful police operation conducted – as a result of operational measures carried out at dozens of locations across the country late last night, we arrested 34 people on charges of drug trafficking. The arrested persons are citizens of Georgia and foreign countries as well. Most of them were involved in the illegal sale of various types of narcotic substances; some have been exposed to the illegal purchase and storage of large and especially large amounts of drugs. I would also like to clarify that several of them are large-scale drug dealers.
The investigation establishes that the individuals arrested for drug trafficking were involved in drug trafficking schemes – they used various ways and methods to distribute drugs: in particular, they placed drugs at specific locations through Internet applications and social networks. The drugs were allegedly planned to be sold in various nightclubs and entertainment venues across the country.
Our officers, based on a judge's ruling, conducted controlled drug purchases from individuals arrested on charges of illegal drug trafficking several times and secretly recorded audio and video recordings of the purchases.
During the personal search of the detainees and search activities held in their residential homes an especially large amount of various types of narcotics were seized as evidence, including "heroin", "cocaine", "suboxine", "methadone", "alpha PVP" and others, as well as materials necessary for packing narcotics and cash allegedly received as a result of illegal drug deals. In addition to the mentioned, the police officers seized unregistered firearms and ammunition.
The committed crimes, in case if proven, the individuals arrested will face up to 20 years or life imprisonment.
Herewith, I would like to express my gratitude to all the police officers who tirelessly conduct the fight to stop the spread of drugs in our country once and for all, thus saving citizens from the most serious disease of drug addiction!
