Volski: Strict Drug Policy Necessary for National Security
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, March 17, 2025
The Georgian Dream legislative package, which aims to tighten penalties for drug-related offenses, including those involving cannabis and marijuana, was discussed by the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights on March 14. The proposed changes affect eight different laws, including the Criminal Code, the Code of Administrative Offenses, and the Law on Organized Crime and Racketeering. Several new provisions have been added to the criminal law as part of strengthening drug policy.
In response to the package, Gia Volski, the First Vice Speaker of Parliament, highlighted the dangers of drug trafficking and its potential to destabilize Georgia's security.
"We saw acts of diversion involving weapons and drugs in the 90s, and we saw what this diversion did to an entire generation of Georgia. Many of them sacrificed their lives in the war, but after the war, they could not improve their situation, and their health remains damaged to this day," Volski stated.
He emphasized the importance of being particularly strict with those who import and sell drugs, not just for personal profit but possibly as part of efforts to destabilize the country's security.
"We must protect our future generations from this danger, and we must be especially strict with those who bring in and sell drugs for personal gain, and not just for personal benefit, but possibly for purposes related to the destabilization of Georgia's security and stability," Volski said.
Volski further connected the issue of drug trafficking to national security, warning that narcotics could undermine future generations' ability to be competitive in the labor market and pose other threats to the country's stability.
