ICC Georgia is Accused of Import of Great Quantity of Opium Poppy to Georgia

Tbilisi. On Thursday, March 28, the Investigation Service of
the Georgian Ministry of Finance brought accusations to company ICC Georgia of
import of great quantity of seeds of opium poppy to the country.

"The company imported 300 kg of seeds
of opium poppy from France through Customs check point Sarpi (on
Georgian-Turkish border). The Phytosanitary certificate with product
designation, issued in France, was attached to the seeds.    

According to the expert examination, opium
poppy seeds contain narcotic substance morphine and codeine.   

The Investigation Service also notes that
the issue of bringing to responsibility officials of the Customs service, who
issued the permission for poppy import is being considered.

The case is investigated pursuant to
Article 262 of the Criminal Code of Georgia - illegal import to Georgia of
great quantity of narcotic substances, their analogous or precursors that
stipulates for legal entities a fine amounting to GEL100 thousand (approx. $60
thousand) or closing an enterprise.