12 arrested as police seize illegal firearms and ammunition across Georgia

Georgian law enforcement has detained 12 individuals following a series of operations targeting the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in Tbilisi and several regions. The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that coordinated efforts by the Patrol Police and police departments from Tbilisi, Kakheti, Adjara, and Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti led to the confiscation of various weapons and combat materials.

Among those arrested are Georgian citizens born between 1973 and 1998, as well as a 2002-born Turkish national. Several of the suspects have prior criminal records, and one is currently under probation. They are all accused of illegally acquiring, storing, and carrying firearms and ammunition.

During searches of the suspects’ homes, vehicles, and personal belongings, police seized a range of illegal items, including pistols, revolvers, an automatic rifle, a hunting shotgun, magazines, cartridges, and a suppressor.

The investigation is being conducted under Articles 236(3), 236(4), and 236(5) of the Georgian Criminal Code, which carry penalties of up to nine years in prison.