27 Arrested by Ministry of Internal Affairs in Drug Crime Sweep

15 individuals have been arrested, 4 of whom are foreigners, on charges of illegal possession of large and particularly large quantities of narcotic drugs, as well as illegal possession of the narcotic drug Marijuana and psychotropic substances.

The charges also include illegal import and export of large and particularly large amounts of narcotics in Georgia, as well as illegal acquisition and storage. Additionally, 12 individuals, 4 of whom are foreign citizens, are accused of illegally purchasing and possessing the narcotic drug Marijuana, and of illegally planting and cultivating plants containing narcotic drugs.

"During the search of the personal and residential premises of those arrested on drug charges, law enforcement officers also seized significant quantities of narcotic drugs from various locations indicated by them as evidence, including heroin, cocaine, buprenorphine, morphine, thebaine, codeine, methadone, alpha PVP, mephedrone, clephedrone, methamphetamine, Lyrica, and marijuana." The Ministry of Internal Affairs further stated, "The police also confiscated a substantial amount of money and electronic scales from the defendants as evidence, which allegedly were obtained as proceeds from drug sales."

Based on information from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, these crimes carry penalties of up to 20 years or life imprisonment.