Large-scale illegal firearm smuggling attempt foiled at Sarpi border crossing

Officers from the Central Criminal Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), in joint operation with the Customs Department of the Ministry of Finance’s Revenue Service, foiled an attempt to illegally smuggle a large quantity of firearms into Georgia.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, law enforcement officers conducted a detailed X-ray scan and physical inspection of a vehicle driven by the suspect at the Sarpi border checkpoint. Officers uncovered a specially constructed hidden compartment containing eight firearms of various models, along with eight magazines and ammunition, all of which were seized as material evidence.

An investigation is underway under Parts 3, 4, and 5 of Article 236, as well as Part 4 of Article 214 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, carrying a penalty of up to eight years’ imprisonment.