The employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as a result of the operative-search measures and investigative activities carried out in recent period, seized illegal firearms and ammunition in Tbilisi and the regions of the country - 13 people [including two foreign nationals] were arrested, 1 was exposed.

According to the agency, law enforcement had seized firearms, automatic rifles, sawed-off hunting rifles, cartridges, pistols and magazines from the individuals, as well as marijuana from one of the detained.

Two residential houses and vehicles related to the alleged offenders were searched in the effort, with 3 out of the 13 arrested individuals having previous criminal records.

The body also said police departments in Tbilisi, Adjara, Imereti and Samegrelo-Zemo-Svaneti, as well as Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti were involved in the efforts, while other actions involved authorities in Shida Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti and Kakheti.

The committed crime envisions imprisonment for 3 to 7 years.

The investigation into the facts of illegal purchase, storage and carrying of firearms and ammunition is being conducted under Article 236 and 273 of the Criminal Code of Georgia.