Russian national detained over alleged illegal import of firearms

Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia on Friday said it had foiled an attempt to illegally import a large quantity of firearms into the country.

A 51-year-old citizen of Russia, identified by the initials V.A. and born in 1973, was arrested on charges of illegal purchasing, possessing and carrying firearms, as well as illegally importing them into Georgia.

The law enforcement officers conducted a detailed inspection of a vehicle driven by the suspect at the Sarpi border crossing point. Using a special scanner, officers discovered 13 firearms of various models and nine magazines concealed in a specially arranged hiding place inside the vehicle, the MIA press office said. 

The offences carry a sentence of up to nine years in prison, the ministry said.