Leader of the parliamentary majority announced an anti-drug reform, developed in cooperation with the Prime Minister and the government, “following promises made to the public”. According to Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Georgian Dream plans to make the anti-narcotics reform, anti-narcotics campaign, and promotion of a healthy lifestyle “a special national priority to save future generations”.

“The President of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili, is one of the main initiators of anti-narcotics reform and healthy lifestyle promotion. Of course, the parliamentary majority was actively involved in developing the reform, as was the parliamentary opposition. There is absolute unanimity on this issue, and we hope that society will fully support the anti-drug reform, and with public support, we will have the first positive results within a few months.

I would like to introduce the main legislative aspects of the reform:

- Penalties for selling any type of narcotic substance will be maximally tightened, meaning that drug dealers will face 12 to 20 years in prison or life imprisonment, even for selling small amounts of drugs.

- The draft law on “Organized Crime and Racketeering” will define the concepts of drug trafficking and drug dealers and regulate specific related issues, including identifying who can be considered a drug dealer’s family member, close relative, or associate. It will also determine what qualifies as a drug dealer’s property. The legislative framework will be refined to allow the confiscation of real and movable property belonging to drug dealers or those facilitating drug distribution, transferring it to the state.

- From June 1, 2025, if a person is confirmed to have used drugs or refuses a drug test, they will lose their right to drive any type of vehicle for 3 years. They will also be banned from working in public service, educational, and teaching institutions for 5 years, as well as from possessing firearms.

- Stricter regulations will affect the Criminal Code, Code of Administrative Offenses, other relevant provisions of the law on combating drug-related crimes.

We also call on private sector representatives to support these approaches and stand by the state in conducting the anti-drug campaign and promoting a healthy lifestyle”, - said Mamuka Mdinaradze.