Kazakh citizen Ivan Chekulaev is on trial in Georgia after a painkiller classified as a controlled substance was found during a search. The Kazakh Foreign Ministry said diplomats are providing consular and legal assistance to the Kazakhstani. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The 44-year-old truck driver from Shchuchinsk was detained in April during customs control at the port of Poti. The man was on another trip from Georgia.
During the search, customs officers found a painkiller on him. According to the wife of the Kazakhstani, Yulia Chekulaeva, the drug was previously prescribed to Ivan by a doctor in Germany for back pain. However, he did not have a prescription for the medicine with him.
"We were waiting for him from the trip, we want him to come home. He is very calm, very responsible. He could not have done anything. It just turned out he didn't have a piece of paper with him," the trucker's wife said.
In Georgia, the found drug is classified as a psychotropic and narcotic substance, the circulation of which is regulated by law. A criminal case has been opened against the Kazakhstani.
The Kazakh Foreign Ministry reported that Chekulaev is charged under Part 1 of Article 262 of the Criminal Code of Georgia.
"This article provides for liability for illegal storage or transportation of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances without the purpose of sale. Kazakh diplomats in Georgia, within their competence, are providing our compatriot with the necessary consular and legal assistance. This issue is under the control of the ministry," the Kazakh Foreign Ministry said.
According to the TV channel, if found guilty, the Kazakhstani could face up to 15 years in prison.