Police across Georgia detained 121 people on drug charges, including 59 people described as involved in drug distribution schemes in various forms.[1][2] Those detained included Georgian citizens and foreign nationals.[3][2] The detentions followed operational and investigative measures carried out throughout the country, announced by Central Criminal Police Department director Davit Kiknadze at a briefing.[3]

On the basis of court orders, police repeatedly carried out controlled purchases of drugs and covertly recorded the operations with audio and video.[1][2] Officers also detained people identified after undercover substitution of parcels addressed to them, seizing especially large quantities of drugs as physical evidence.[1] Searches of the suspects’ belongings, homes and vehicles, along with investigative reconstructions, uncovered batches prepared for sale described as especially large, including methadone, alpha-PVP, cocaine, ketamine, buprenorphine, marijuana and cannabis plants.[1][2] Police also seized packaging materials, electronic scales and cash believed to come from drug sales.[3][2]

The investigation is proceeding under articles 260, 261 and 265 of Georgia’s Criminal Code.[1] Those charges carry up to 20 years in prison or life imprisonment.[1][2]