**Russia-Ukraine War Creates New Drug Trafficking Routes in Georgia**
A recent report by the US Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) says that drug organizations are using new routes across Georgia to transport opioids and synthetic drugs from Europe to other countries.
According to the report, Georgia is a key place for these drugs to pass through on their way to Europe. The US has been helping Georgia’s law enforcement agencies to stop this trafficking by giving them training and expertise in detecting and preventing cross-border smuggling.
**US Helps Stop Drug Trafficking in Georgia**
In April 2023, US help led to the seizure of 400 kilograms of heroin when Georgian police worked with Belgian law enforcement. In May, another shipment from Iran was identified at a port in Georgia, resulting in the seizure of an additional 80 kilograms of heroin.
Georgia has also joined a global coalition to stop the trade of synthetic drugs and signed an agreement with a European organization that monitors drug use.
**Challenges Remain**
Despite this progress, there are still problems. One issue is that people who need help for opioid addiction don’t have access to long-term treatment programs in Georgia’s penal system.
