Lyrica (pregabalin) and tramadol in Georgia — Article 261
In Georgia, Lyrica (pregabalin) and tramadol are psychotropic and potent substances. Obtaining or keeping them without a prescription is a crime (Article 261), and selling them is far more serious. We defend the accused from the forensic examination to the courtroom.
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The amounts are set in an annex to the law. Pregabalin: small amount up to 0.6 g, criminal-liability threshold up to 6 g, large amount up to 20 g. Tramadol: small up to 1 g, threshold up to 80 g, large up to 800 g. For pregabalin, tianeptine and ketamine the medicine form itself counts, not just the pure substance — so a few capsules can be enough.
Selling gabapentin, baclofen or cyclodol in any form is a crime (Article 260³).
Penalties under Article 261
| Act | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Obtaining or keeping a psychotropic substance (e.g. pregabalin) | A fine, corrective labour up to 2 years or up to 3 years in prison |
| The same, in a large amount, as a group or repeatedly | Imprisonment from 4 to 7 years |
| The same, in an especially large amount or by an organised group | Imprisonment from 8 to 12 years |
| Obtaining or keeping a potent substance (e.g. tramadol) | A fine or corrective labour up to 1 year |
| The same, in a large amount, as a group or repeatedly | Imprisonment from 3 to 7 years |
| The same, in an especially large amount or by an organised group | Imprisonment from 7 to 12 years |
Our services
- Defence against Article 261 charges
- Checking the forensic examination and amount
- Proving a prescription and treatment
- Lawfulness of the search and seizure
- Plea agreements
- Defence against selling charges
Questions & answers
How much Lyrica is a crime?
More than 0.6 g of pregabalin is already a criminal case; a large amount is over 6 g. The medicine form counts, so a few capsules can be enough.
I have a prescription — is it still a crime?
Medicine prescribed by a doctor and lawfully obtained is not a crime. Keep the prescription and proof of purchase.
What is the penalty for tramadol?
Basic — a fine or corrective labour up to 1 year; in a large amount — 3 to 7 years; especially large — 7 to 12 years.
Legal basis
- Criminal Code of Georgia
- Law on Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, Precursors and Narcological Assistance
Official texts (in Georgian) — Legislative Herald of Georgia, matsne.gov.ge.
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