Prepared by Messenger Staff
121 Arrested Across Georgia in Major Drug Crackdown, Police Say
Police have arrested 121 people across Georgia on drug-related charges, including 59 accused of drug trafficking, Central Criminal Police Department Director Davit Kiknadze said.
The suspects include both Georgian and foreign nationals. Authorities seized large quantities of drugs, including methadone, cocaine, ketamine, alpha-PVP, buprenorphine, marijuana and cannabis, along with cash, digital scales and drug packaging materials allegedly linked to trafficking.
Kiknadze said the arrests followed operational measures, controlled drug purchases authorized by a court and searches of suspects' homes, vehicles and personal belongings.
The investigation is being conducted under several articles of Georgia's Criminal Code, with the alleged offenses carrying penalties of up to 20 years or life imprisonment.
According to the Interior Ministry, nearly 5,000 people have been prosecuted for drug crimes in the first six months of the year, including about 1,000 suspected drug traffickers, an 85% increase compared with the same period last year.
Kavelashvili Meets Qatari Emir in Doha
Georgian Dream President Mikheil Kavelashvili met with Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, in Doha to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues, the Presidential Administration said.
During the meeting, Kavelashvili expressed his condolences over the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani and paid tribute to his role in the development of modern Qatar.
The two leaders discussed prospects for expanding cooperation between Georgia and Qatar. Kavelashvili also thanked Qatar for its support of Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to the Presidential Administration, the meeting also underscored the importance of peace, regional stability and diplomatic dialogue, while acknowledging Qatar's role in international mediation efforts.
