Even a superficial analysis reveals that the consumption of psychotropic medications in Georgia today—especially benzodiazepines—significantly exceeds reasonable levels, which reinforces the public’s well-founded suspicion that the use of these medications for narcotic purposes is a widespread practice in the country," – said Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze at today’s briefing.

According to the Prime Minister, in order to curb the non-medical, narcotic use of psychotropic medications, their import by private companies will be completely banned.

"Currently, psychotropic medications in Georgia are imported by private entities. As a result, these entities have a direct interest in artificially encouraging their consumption. To eliminate such practices as much as possible, the import of psychotropic medications by private companies will be fully prohibited. The import and sale of medicinal products subject to special control will be the exclusive prerogative of the state.

In addition, strict control will be established over the prescription and dispensing of such medications. We will closely and continuously monitor the statistics of psychotropic drug use. A significant decrease in these statistics will serve as clear evidence that the state has successfully prevented the misuse of psychotropic medications," Kobakhidze stated.