Illegal firearms, ammunition seized in Tbilisi, regions - nine arrested

Nine individuals have been detained in the Georgian capital city of Tbilisi and various regions of the country on charges related to the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, the Ministry of Internal Affairs announced on Saturday.

The Ministry added the arrests followed a series of joint operational and investigative activities conducted by officers from the Central Criminal Police Department, the Patrol Police Department, the Tbilisi Police Department and the police departments of Adjara, Racha-Lechkhumi and Lower Svaneti, and Imereti regions.

The offense is punishable by up to seven years of imprisonment.

Those arrested are accused of illegal acquisition, storage and carrying of firearms and ammunition, as well as hooliganism involving the use of a firearm.

During searches of the suspects’ homes, vehicles and personal belongings, police seized multiple firearms, including pistols, magazines and live ammunition.

Additionally, narcotic substances were found and confiscated from one of the suspects.

The MIA highlighted that efforts to combat the illegal circulation of firearms and drugs remain one of its top operational priorities.