Fourteen arrested in Georgia over illegal firearms and explosives offences

Police in Georgia have arrested 14 people and identified two others in connection with the illegal acquisition, possession and distribution of firearms and ammunition, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia said.

The arrests followed coordinated operations involving Tbilisi Police, the Central Criminal Police Department, and regional units in Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Imereti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti and Adjara, the body said on Thursday.

Authorities said searches of suspects’ homes, personal belongings and auxiliary premises led to the seizure of multiple firearms of various models, ammunition and an explosive device.

In a separate but related operation, officers from the Central Criminal Police Department, working with the Customs Department of the Revenue Service of Georgia under the Finance Ministry, prevented the illegal import of ammunition and explosive substances into the country.

Suspects were detained at Batumi Port and at the Sarpi border crossing. Police said that inspections of vehicles under their control uncovered two hand grenades, two detonator caps and up to 150 rounds of ammunition intended for various types of firearms.

The crime carries a penalty of up to nine years in prison.