Based on operational intelligence received, the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), through targeted operational and investigative efforts, have apprehended two Ukrainian nationals.

The SSSG stated at the briefing that a MERCEDES-BENZ lorry with Ukrainian number plates, travelling from Ukraine towards Georgia via Romania and Bulgaria, crossed the state border from Turkiye and entered the country through the Sarpi customs checkpoint on September 10, 2025. As a result of its inspection and search, 2.4 kilograms of the explosive substance Hexogen were found in the vehicle, placed in carefully concealed containers.

We explain to the public that this concerns an explosive substance that is more powerful than TNT. The investigation has established at this stage that the explosive substance was handed over to the Ukrainian citizen M.S., the driver of the aforementioned vehicle, by an unidentified person on Ukrainian territory. The explosive substance was placed in concealed boxes, and the driver was told that after crossing Georgia’s border, another person in contact with them would remove the said substance. Ukrainian citizen D.Zh, who contacted driver M.S. and removed the large quantity of explosive substance placed in the containers, has already been arrested.

As a result of searches, eight mobile phones, a computer, electronic information storage devices, a large sum of money, SIM cards from various countries’ mobile operators, and the narcotic substance cocaine were seized.

The investigation is proceeding under Article 236 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which concerns the illegal acquisition, possession and transportation of explosive substances. The detained persons will also face charges under Article 260 in connection with narcotic substances seized during their search.

Naturally, the investigation will continue to establish the final destination of the large quantity of explosive substance brought into Georgia, whether a terrorist act was being prepared in Georgia, whether Georgia was being used as a transit country, or otherwise.

Accordingly, the legal qualification regarding the detained persons will be clarified and, if necessary, the public will be further informed. The State Security Service thanks employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Prosecutor’s Office for their very significant contribution to this successful operation,” was announced at the briefing held at the State Security Service of Georgia.