The center will operate to prevent, detect, and stop the illegal transport of narcotic and psychoactive substances on Georgia’s customs territory, as well as to identify other crimes under the investigative jurisdiction of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. According to the legislative package submitted to Parliament - which is being reviewed under an accelerated procedure - the joint center will carry out customs control following rules defined by a joint order of the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Internal Affairs. The initiative comes from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The explanatory note highlights:

Georgia’s vehicle fleet increases by 50,000–70,000 vehicles annually.

Vehicle export and re-export figures are also rising.

In 2023: 100,027 re-exported and 16,182 exported units.

In 2024: 101,449 re-exported and 12,517 exported units.

In 2025 (current data): 12,825 exported and 99,136 re-exported units.

Against this backdrop, numerous cases of illegal transportation of narcotics, their analogues, precursors, new psychoactive substances, psychotropic substances, or their analogues have been recorded on Georgia’s customs territory, along with other crimes under MIA investigative jurisdiction. These offenses pose a significant threat to public security and the fulfillment of international obligations.

Given the current challenges, the need to strengthen customs control and enhance the state’s institutional capacity to combat such crimes is increasing.

According to the explanatory note, the reform will improve inter-agency coordination and increase the effectiveness of crime prevention, detection, and suppression related to narcotics.