Georgian authorities have intercepted a large shipment of illegal weapons and ammunition in a major security operation, arresting two suspects, including a foreign national.

Officers from the Central Criminal Police Department, working together with the Customs Service, prevented the unlawful import of a significant cache of firearms-related materials into the country, The Caspian Post reports via the Georgian Interior Ministry's message on Facebook.

The operation took place at the Sarpi border crossing and in the Poti Sea Port economic zone, where law enforcement officers searched vehicles and seized nearly 500 live rounds of ammunition, two pneumatic sporting firearms, more than 2,000 cartridge cases, around 900 bullets, and 2.5 kilograms of gunpowder intended for ammunition reloading.

Two individuals were taken into custody during the operation, one of whom is a foreign citizen.

The investigation is being conducted under Articles 236, 19-236, and 19-214 of Georgia's Criminal Code, which relate to the illegal handling and attempted smuggling of weapons and ammunition.

If convicted, the suspects face up to nine years in prison.