Drug Trafficking

Georgia - Example of good practices

Georgia’s Government fully meets the US Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA)’s minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking, setting a strong example for its neighbours in the EaP region. Overall, the government of Georgia increased its prosecution of traffickers and assistance to victims, providing adequate assistance to government-run shelters during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other key achievements, Georgia established the Labour Inspection Service, with a dedicated unit for forced labour, which ensures compliance with labour regulations and norms.99

The illicit drugs market generates over USD 30 billion of illicit gains annually in the world, making it among the most lucrative of all crime areas.100 According to the Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment (SOCTA) 2021, the drug trade dominates serious and organised crime in the EU, in terms of both people involved and profits generated; a significant amount of organised crime violence is associated with the drug trade.101 Drug trafficking, like illicit financial flows, represents a key area of concern for the six EaP countries, constituting a driver of harm at economic, societal and community levels. The impact of drug use can put considerable pressure on the health care system of the EaP countries, also from an economic point of view, with additional costs related to drug rehabilitation programmes. This hampers the achievement of Goal 3 of the United Nations SDGs, which is to “ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages”. The geographic location of the six EaP countries is a strategic transit point for transnational crime involving trafficking and smuggling. Given their proximity to the Middle East and Turkey, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan are attractive countries for drug trafficking, especially for heroin from Iran and Afghanistan to Ukraine, Moldova and other European countries.102 The so-called “Caucasus Route” represents a strong source of illicit income for organised crime groups. Heroin is trafficked through Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia to the EU - Romania and Bulgaria - via the Black Sea route or by land.103 Cargo shipments and sea containers are at high risk of being targeted for the shipment of illicit drugs, mainly heroin and cocaine. The process breeds profits for local organised crime groups and for corrupt officials, while increasing the threat and reality of drug consumption and addiction. Belarus’ no-visa policy with Russia104 makes it an ideal country for transiting illicit drugs.105