In Borjomi Municipality, the fire localization and liquidation works continued throughout the night. Employees of various departments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure, as well as the relevant services of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture, actively participate in fire extinguishing process. Border police helicopters resumed their work in the morning.

As soon as the notification on the collapse of the residential building located on 26 May Street in Batumi was received at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, rescue and police forces were mobilized at the site, as well as ambulance crews.

According to initial reports, the entrance of the residential building collapsed. Upon arrival at the scene, firefighters evacuated the population from the neighboring flats of the collapsed residential building, as well as from vehicles caught in the debris.

At the moment, the area is being cleared of rubble and active search and rescue operations are underway. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has launched an investigation on the fact of building collapse; the information regarding the number of injured persons is being clarified at the moment.

Along with firefighters, special equipment has already been mobilized at the site, including aerial ladder fire truck. In addition, the staff of the Special Tasks Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Forensic-Criminalistics Department have also been mobilized. The additional live force is being deployed from the neighboring regions of Adjara as well.

The territory adjacent to the accident is condoned off due to security measures. The Ministry of Internal Affairs calls on the citizens, as well as the representatives of all media sources on the ground, to follow the instructions of the employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and to observe the safety norms.

The US Embassy’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Regional Security Office (RSO) and Office of the Legal Attache of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) jointly organized a training course on crisis supervision for the senior management of the MIA.

Acting chief of mission of the United States, Nicholas Berliner has thanked heads of various MIA Departments and employees for the cooperation and handed out certificates of appreciation on behalf of the US Embassy.

After the ceremony traditional friendly match was held between the teams of MIA and US Embassy which was won by the Georgian law enforcers scoring 11:8.

The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Merab malania, Nicholas Berliner, general prosecutor – Irakli Shotadze, head of Special State Protection Service –Anzor Chubinidze, employees of the US embassy and Ministry of Internal Affairs.

“I would like to thank US embassy foe positively assessing activities carried out by Georgian law enforcers and once again noted our fruitful cooperation. Today’s friendly match is another example of our close cooperation and 25 years of successful diplomatic and friendly relations. Such events will bring us even closer and strengthen tight, business and friendly relations between our countries”-stated Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs –Merab Malania.

Friendly football match between the MIA and the US Embassy was held in Tbilisi for the third time.

Under the initiative of the Minister of Internal Affairs Giorgi Mgebrishvili, week dedicated to the traffic safety was launched. The opening ceremony was attended by the representatives of non-governmental sector and media representatives.
“Path to West is the choice of our society. This is our choice, which is defined by the respect of law and primarily implies maintenance of the traffic movement rules. Nonetheless, I consider that tackling of this problem will not be reached only with the involvement of the Patrol Police Department, even if law enforcers will make their best efforts. Motivation of our society and caring for each other’s lives also counts as well as willingness to make another thoughtful step towards traffic safety. Decision made by each of us is of utmost importance”-stated Minister of Internal Affairs.
At the event, representatives of Legal Department of MIA acquainted gathered guests with detailed information on the legislative changes regarding traffic safety, which will be enacted on July 1 of the current year.
Head of Public Relations Department Thea Pertaia reviewed the social campaign- “For the sake of you and your safety” and made a presentation on implemented and planned activities in this direction.
At the event, Minister of Internal Affairs awarded active participants and supporters of the social campaign with certificates of gratitude for having high social responsibility. Special certificates were also handed out to journalists, non-governmental and private sector representatives as well as public figures. Within the frames of the week dedicated to the traffic safety, photo contest has been announced by MIA which is open to everyone. Special jury will reveal the owners of the first three places, who will be awarded with a cash prize.

Minister of Internal Affairs Giorgi Mgebrishvili in connection with sports international day, awarded member of MIA Force club the first Georgian champion in car racing and the official face of the traffic safety program – Data Kajaia with medal for “exceptional merits”
On April 2 Data Kajaia became the winner of the first race of TCR International Series 2017.
“I would like to congratulate everyone with Sports International Day. Ministry of Internal Affairs actively supports development of sports and popularization of healthy lifestyle as one of the ways of crime prevention. Members of MIA Force sports club are European and world champios. With joint efforts we will achieve much success”-stated Giorgi Mgebrishvili. MIA Force sports club unites 16 world champions, 4 champions of Europe and 2 Guinness record breakers.

The officers of the District Inspectors division of Tbilisi Police Department as a result of operative-searching activities detained D.Ch. (DoB 1989) for illegal purchase and keeping of firearms and ammunition.
During the search of the vehicle of the detainee, law enforcers seized Makarov pistol and 7 bullets. Investigation is in progress on the fact of illegal purchase and keeping of firearms and ammunition, article 236, II and III parts of the Criminal Code.

Ministry of Internal Affairs continues information-educational project -“Maintenance of law and crime prevention program for public schools". Within the frames of the project pupils from the public schools visited MIA Academy, division of the Special Tasks Department and Rustavi division of the Emergency Situations Management Agency.
Representatives of MIA Academy acquainted pupils with works specifics of the educational facility as well as bachelor and master programs and reviewed prospects of getting employed at the Ministry. Guests were shown study rooms and gym, mock jury court and border crossing point, real and imitated shooting ranges.
Representatives of the Special Tasks Department acquainted children with the daily agenda of the compulsory military servicemen and gave an opportunity to visit study rooms, living compartments, gym, library and training venue. Pupils attended theoretical, practical and marching trainings. Exhibition of equipment, armored technic and weapons was also arranged for the pupils.
Firefighters and rescuers provided pupils with detailed information on work specifics and history of the agency. Pupils were given an opportunity to see firefighting vehicles, equipment, firefighter’s museum and gave advices on safety topic.
“Maintenance of law and crime prevention program for public schools" project is being implemented by the Ministry of Internal Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Science. The project is aimed at promotion of public awareness among youth.

The officers of the Central Criminal Police Department as a result of operative-searching activities detained E.Kh. (DoB 1980) in Tbilisi for illegal purchase and keeping of drugs in especially large quantities.
During the personal search of the detainee policemen seized 122 drug plates of buprenorphine. Drug test revealed that E.KH. was addicted to methadone and marijuana.Investigation is in progress on the fact of illegal purchase and keeping of drugs in especially large quantities, article 260, VI
part of the Criminal Code.

Giorgi Mgebrishvili and Head of State Security Agency Vakhtang Gomelauri attended opening of St. George church located on the base of 1st unit of Special Tasks Department.  With the support and initiative of the leadership of Special Tasks Department and personnel the construction of the church on the territory of Special Tasks First Division started in 2015. In addition to material support, employees of the mentioned department were actively involved in the construction works of the church.
Giorgi Mgebrishvili congratulated personnel of the Department with St. George’s Day and wished to serve with devotion: “I am well aware how difficult, risky and responsible is your profession. Lives and safety of our citizens often depend on your professionalism and devotion. I know that you are committed to accomplish your missions with success and ready to risk lives and health for it. I want to express gratitude for this devotion”.
Giorgi Mgebrishvili awarded employees of various MIA units with certificates of appreciation and incentive awards for outstanding performance of their duties.