The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia (MIA) has conducted a series of coordinated raids across the country, resulting in the seizure of a significant cache of illegal weapons and the arrest of 21 individuals. The operation spanned multiple regions including the capital Tbilisi, Kakheti, Adjara, Samegrelo, Kvemo Kartli, Shida Kartli, Imereti, and Racha-Lechkhumi.

The suspects face up to seven years in prison.

Among the most significant arrests, the Central Criminal Police Department’s Organized Crime Division apprehended a previously convicted individual (M.Zh., born 1982) in possession of multiple firearms, combat ammunition, and bulletproof vests.

In the Kakheti region alone, police detained eight individuals, including several with prior convictions. The largest single seizure in this operation yielded three automatic weapons, a pistol, multiple hunting rifles (including two modified ones), seven magazines, 591 rounds of ammunition, three grenades, and a detonator cord.

The operation also uncovered links to drug trafficking. In Adjara, searches of residences belonging to two suspects (B.Ts. and M.K.) revealed large quantities of dried marijuana alongside firearms and ammunition.

Notable seizures across other regions included:
– A machine gun, pistol, revolver, and 69 rounds of ammunition in Imereti
– An automatic weapon with ammunition found in a vehicle in Samegrelo
– Various firearms and combat ammunition in Adjara, where four suspects were arrested, including one foreign national

The Investigation Department confirmed that the case is being pursued under Articles 236 and 273 Prime of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which deal with illegal weapons possession and drug-related offences.