US Department of State: Methadone, heroin, and buprenorphine, a synthetic opioid, remain the most commonly used drugs in Georgia

The US Department of State has published a report on the International Narcotics Control Strategy 2018, which mentions Georgia as well.

According to the report, Georgia’s location along traditional smuggling routes in the Black Sea region leaves it vulnerable to transnational criminal organizations that continue to traffic opiates and synthetic drugs from Southwest Asia to European markets.

“The Georgian government and non-governmental organizations report substantial drug and substance abuse challenges with an estimated 50,000 illicit drug users. Methadone, heroin, and buprenorphine, a synthetic opioid, remain the most commonly used drugs in Georgia, and intravenous drug use is reportedly rising.

The Government of Georgia actively cooperates with a wide range of actors to combat drug trafficking and consumption and to develop comprehensive responses to drug dependency. These partners include civil society, academia, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and other international organizations, regional partner states, and the European Union.

The United States continues to support Georgia’s fight against crime and illicit drug use and trafficking. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration continues to work proactive investigations with Georgian law enforcement counterparts and continues to exchange law enforcement information. The Government of Georgia continues to show a strong interest in further collaboration with the United States”, reads the report.