Police detain five foreign nationals in major drug trafficking operation

The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs reported on Wednesday that officers from the Kvemo Kartli and Patrol Police Departments had arrested five individuals on drug-related charges.

The detainees, all foreign nationals, have been charged with the illegal purchase and possession of especially large quantities of narcotic drugs, as well as drug trafficking and facilitating the sale of narcotics.

During searches of the suspects’ residences, temporary accommodation and locations identified by them, law enforcement officers seized especially large quantities of various narcotic substances prepared for sale, including cocaine, hashish and opium.

Police also confiscated materials used for packaging narcotics, along with cash believed to have been obtained through drug sales.

Based on a court order, law enforcement officers conducted a controlled purchase of narcotic drugs from one of the detainees and covertly recorded the transaction using audio and video equipment.

The investigation is being conducted under several articles of the Criminal Code of Georgia, offences that carry penalties of up to 20 years’ imprisonment or life imprisonment.