Law enforcement officers seized 250 kilograms of the narcotic substance "heroin," with an estimated black market value of approximately 80 million GEL, stated Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Alexandre Darakhvelidze during a briefing.

According to him, two Georgian citizens, previously convicted of drug-related crimes, have been detained in connection with the case.

"I would like to inform the public about a large-scale police operation conducted by employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Law enforcement officers identified and prevented another instance of international drug trafficking.

The police seized 250 kilograms of the narcotic substance 'heroin,' with an estimated black market value of approximately 80 million GEL.

Two Georgian citizens, previously convicted of drug-related crimes, were detained for the illegal acquisition, storage, importation, and exportation of a particularly large amount of narcotic substances.

The crime carries a penalty of up to 20 years or life imprisonment.

Evidence obtained during the investigation reveals that a truck, which, according to customs documentation, was carrying 'wet wipes,' entered Georgia from a neighboring country through the 'Red Bridge' customs checkpoint.

During a detailed inspection of the cargo at the economic zone in Batumi, law enforcement officers seized 250 kilograms of the narcotic substance 'heroin,' packaged in 2,907 bundles hidden within wet wipe packages.

As a result of additional investigative actions in the criminal case, law enforcement officers also seized two packages of the narcotic substance 'heroin' from the residence of one of the accused.

The police operation was conducted by employees of the Central Criminal Police Department, in collaboration with the General Prosecutor's Office and the Customs Department of the Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance.

Together with other relevant agencies, we are actively continuing comprehensive measures to identify individuals involved in drug-related crimes and bring them to criminal justice.

The investigation is being conducted under Articles 260 and 262 of the Criminal Code of Georgia.

This successful police operation once again confirms that our country’s law enforcement agencies have the necessary resources and professionalism to identify and prevent such crimes.

I would like to express special gratitude to all the police officers and Customs Department employees who were involved in uncovering this crime," Darakhvelidze stated.