40,600 packs of illicit cigarettes worth over ₾235,000 seized in Tbilisi

Two Georgian citizens have been arrested in Tbilisi for storing 40,600 packs of untaxed cigarettes worth more than 235,000 lari, Georgia's Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance said.

The suspects allegedly stored the cigarettes without the required excise stamps at several locations in Tbilisi, including a garage they used, with the intention of selling them and obtaining illegal financial gain.

The cigarettes were identified as Platinum, Manchester, Winston and Kent brands, the Investigation Service said.

The suspects allegedly operated while taking measures to conceal the locations where the cigarettes were stored.

The charges carry a prison sentence of six to eight years.