$22,867 in excise-free tobacco seized across Georgia in September

The Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia seized ₾61,000 ($22,867) worth of excise-free tobacco through the country in September, the body said on Tuesday.

The Service said its investigators had identified 20 cases of illegal storage, transportation and sale of excise-free tobacco products in September, with 20 individuals charged and 11 arrested.

The body also said a total of 12,240 cigarette packages had been seized from individuals identified in the offences.

The crimes are punishable by six to eight years in prison.