MPs Discuss Anti-Drugs Package

Parliament discussed on June 20 a package of legislative amendments envisaging the confiscation of property from drug dealers.

?We need additional tools to tackle the problem,? Nika Gvaramia, deputy chief prosecutor, told lawmakers.

The amendments also foresee drug dealers and addicts being stripped of their rights to hold elected office; to have a driving license; to work in the medical or educational sectors; to hold a civil service position; or to possess a fire arm.

The measures will apply for three years to drug addicts and permanently to drug-dealers.

Opposition lawmakers welcomed the proposals, but warned that tougher measures would not be enough to fight drug addiction and called for increased state funding for drug replacement programs.

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), an independent body established by the UN to implement its international drug conventions, said in a report last year that official estimates indicated there were 275,000 drug abusers in Georgia, which is an 80% increase on the 2003 figure.

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