The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) has announced that it is examining possible links between former Defense Minister Bacho Akhalaia and the illegal import of the explosive substance Hexogen from Ukraine.

“The State Security Service has not officially mentioned Bachana Akhalaia; however, recent developments surrounding him are of interest and are being studied,” the agency said in a statement.

According to reports, Akhalaia may be connected to the case involving the smuggling of explosives into Georgia.

The SSS confirmed the arrest of two Ukrainian citizens on charges of illegally acquiring, storing, and transporting explosives. The agency said that on September 10, a Mercedes-Benz truck with Ukrainian license plates entered Georgia through the Sarpi customs checkpoint, after passing through Romania and Bulgaria. During inspection, authorities discovered 2.4 kilograms of Hexogen hidden in specially concealed compartments of the vehicle.

The detained Ukrainian citizens were brought before a court, which ordered their imprisonment.