Georgian Interior Ministry proposes tougher punishment for sale of drugs

The Georgian Interior Ministry has proposed tougher punishment for the sale of drugs, as well as for psychotropic and psychoactive substances. 

The ministry says that current deterrents are not sufficient to prevent such crimes. 

According to the bill the minimal punishment for the sale of drugs, psychotropic and psychoactive substances will amount to 6-10 years, while the sale of drugs in large quantities will be punishable by 12-17 years in prison. 

The sale of drugs in especially large quantities will be punishable by 14-20 years in prison (instead of the current 8-20 years in prison) or life imprisonment. 

The bill is in full line with the best European experience, like in Germany, Austria, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and others,” said the ministry. 

 The bill has already been approved by the government and will be sent to parliament for final approval.