298 Kilograms of Heroin Seized in Georgia from Truck Headed from Armenia to Europe

Georgian authorities have announced a major drug bust involving a truck that entered their territory from Armenia. On June 17, the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed that its officers seized 298 kilograms (657 lbs) of heroin during a detailed inspection at the Guguti customs checkpoint. Authorities say the heroin was hidden inside 600 plastic containers made to look like bricks.

The truck was officially declared as carrying a shipment of “refractory bricks.” According to Georgian officials, the truck had entered Georgia from the Republic of Armenia and was set to continue toward Europe through the port city of Batumi. The drugs are estimated to be worth about 85 million Georgian laris, which is approximately $31,253,800 on the black market.

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Aleksandre Darakhvelidze explained that a Georgian citizen was arrested on charges of acquiring, storing, and attempting to smuggle drugs in extremely large amounts. He confirmed that law enforcement is now looking to identify other individuals connected to the smuggling operation.

The investigation is being carried out under Articles 260 and 262 of Georgia’s Criminal Code. If found guilty, those involved could face up to 20 years in prison, or even life imprisonment.

The Guguti crossing is one of the main entry points between Armenia and Georgia, used by trucks carrying goods throughout the Caucasus and into Europe. It is unclear at what point the heroin was loaded into the truck. 

Armenia’s government has not issued a public statement on the matter yet.

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