Officers from the Central Criminal Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and the Customs Department of the Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance have, as a result of jointly conducted operational activities and investigative actions, uncovered a further instance of international drug trafficking.

As the Director of the Central Criminal Police Department, Davit Kiknadze, stated at a briefing held at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, law enforcement officers have seized an exceptionally large quantity, close to 103 kilograms, of the narcotic substance methamphetamine, with an estimated street value on the so-called black market of approximately 30 million lari.

He further reported that one individual has been detained in connection with the unlawful acquisition, possession, and illegal smuggling into Georgia of narcotic substances in an exceptionally large quantity.

“The investigation into the criminal case established that a lorry belonging to one of the companies, loaded with caustic soda, had entered Georgia from a neighbouring country and was intended to transit through to a third country. Upon conducting a detailed inspection of the cargo, law enforcement officers discovered an exceptionally large quantity of narcotic substances distributed across sacks. To identify other individuals involved in the case and ensure they are held accountable, extensive and targeted measures are being implemented. The investigation is being conducted under Articles 260 and 262 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which provide for a custodial sentence of up to 20 years or life imprisonment,” reads the statement made at the briefing held at the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

According to the Ministry, combating drug-related crime remains one of the principal priorities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

“Law enforcement officers are carrying out the relevant comprehensive policing measures around the clock to identify and bring to criminal account all individuals involved in drug-related offences,” the Director of the Central Criminal Police Department stated at the Ministry briefing.