Georgia foils huge heroin smuggling attempt from Armenia

Georgian authorities have successfully foiled a massive heroin smuggling attempt involving nearly 300 kilograms of the drug concealed in a truck entering from Armenia.

The law enforcement intercepted the shipment during a routine inspection near the Black Sea port city of Batumi, a key transit point for illicit goods heading to European markets, Caliber.Az reports, citing local Georgian media.

The truck’s paperwork declared the cargo as fireproof bricks. However, a detailed examination of the trailer revealed 600 plastic containers cleverly disguised as bricks. These containers concealed the heroin intended for distribution in Europe. Officials confirmed that the total quantity of heroin seized weighed 298 kilograms, with an estimated street value of approximately 85 million Georgian lari - equivalent to around $31 million. The driver, a Georgian national, has been detained and faces severe criminal charges. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison or face life imprisonment.

By Naila Huseynova