$136,637 in excise-free tobacco seized across Georgia in October

The Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia seized ₾370,000 ($136,637) worth of excise-free tobacco through the country in October, the body said on Friday.

The Service said its investigation had identified 24 cases of illegal storage, transportation and sale of the product throughout the month, with 23 individuals charged and nine arrested.

The body also said 74,358 cigarette packages had been seized from individuals identified in the offences.

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