Former Deputy Minister of Health Irakli Mkheidze has been arrested in what authorities describe as a large-scale illegal pharmacy drug trafficking case.
The prosecutor in the case confirmed Mkheidze’s arrest to the media. His lawyer says the charges relate to a seven-month period when Mkheidze served as director of the Medical and Pharmaceutical Activities Regulation Agency.
A court hearing held late on June 25 ordered imprisonment as a preventive measure for all individuals arrested in the case.
Prosecutor Grigol Nishnianidze says Mkheidze has been charged under Part 1 of Article 332 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which covers abuse of official authority for personal gain and against public interest.
He claims the group facilitated the illegal sale of psychotropic substances and failed to properly respond to violations of the law.
“Due to their activities and the specificity of the criminal group, they facilitated the illegal sale of psychotropic substances and, accordingly, did not respond appropriately to violations of the law,” Nishnianidze said.
The prosecutor says hundreds of people have been questioned as part of the investigation, which is still ongoing.
“All persons who may have been involved in the above-mentioned possible criminal acts will be questioned, and if evidence or signs of crimes are identified, the Prosecutor’s Office will take appropriate legal action,” he added.
Mikheil Chokheli, described as a member of Otar Partskhaladze’s entourage, has also been charged in the same case. The initial information was reported by TV company ‘Pirveli’.
Prosecutors say Chokheli is charged not only with group illegal entrepreneurial activity but also with legalization of illicit income under aggravating circumstances.
On June 24, the Investigation Service of Georgia’s Ministry of Finance said it had uncovered an alleged scheme involving illegal trade in psychotropic drugs worth more than 53 million GEL, as well as money laundering and illegal entrepreneurial activity.
The agency says 17 members of the organized group have been detained so far, three individuals are being sought, and charges have been brought against 11 others without arrest.
