Family calls for help after Canadian man arrested in Georgia over prescription medication
A Canadian family is raising money on GoFundMe for steep legal fees after their son was unexpectedly arrested in Georgia.
Canadian citizen Simon Rovensky, 22, hails from Vancouver and travelled to the eastern European country of Georgia for vacation, only to be detained because he was carrying his prescribed ADHD medication, which was reportedly Adderall.
His sister, Nika Rovensky, created a GoFundMe last week to fundraise for legal representation that the family says will cost them US$7,000 (C$9,764) and a fine expected to be imposed by the Government of Georgia, estimated by the lawyer to be between US$30,000 (C$42,000) and US$45,000 (C$63,000).
GoFundMe
Details of Simon’s situation are on the GoFundMe page, which has been verified as authentic by the fundraising site.
The description says Simon was diagnosed with ADHD by a family doctor in Canada, and had his legally prescribed medication with him when he was entering Georgia.
“In another country, this likely would not have raised any concerns. However, in Georgia, the medication was prohibited from importation and classified as a narcotic substance,” reads the GoFundMe description.
Adderall, which is amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, is under List II of Georgia’s controlled substances. It’s considered a high-risk narcotic drug that is limited in circulation.
According to the Georgian government, a tourist bringing in a one-month supply of narcotic drugs must bring the following documentation:
- A photocopy of the prescription translated into English
- A certificate from the prescribing doctor translated into English
- Dosage details
- A document signed and stamped by an authorized person confirming the authenticity of the prescription and certificate
The GoFundMe description says that the country requires a prescription translated into Georgian, but Daily Hive could not verify that information.
“Unfortunately, Simon did not have the prescription with him. The receipt for the medication, which he did have, was not accepted,” reads the GoFundMe. “Because Simon was unaware that the medication was prohibited in Georgia, he did not declare it at the airport and was subsequently detained.”
Jailed in Georgia
Nata.dobrovolskaya/Shutterstock
The GoFundMe says Simon and the friend he was travelling with stopped at the border and were subjected to “many hours of questioning and a humiliating personal search.”
“According to family members, customs officers conducted an extremely invasive inspection. The two were held for many hours without any understanding of what would happen next,” it reads.
It adds that Simon was not allowed to call his family, and all phones were confiscated. His friend, who didn’t have any medication with him, was released after seven hours. Unfortunately, Simon was taken to Gldani Prison.
The GoFundMe description says Simon was charged with two serious offences: large-scale smuggling and the illegal acquisition and possession of narcotic substances. Under Georgian law, he could face between eight and 20 years in prison.
Simon is being held in prison until his sentencing hearing on June 25. According to the GoFundMe description, that’s nearly two months after his arrest. The 22-year-old shares a cell with five other convicted inmates and is allowed only one hour of phone calls per month and fifteen minutes of in-person visits per week.
“He is in a foreign country with no family members nearby who can visit or support him,” reads the GoFundMe.
A “catastrophic” situation
“For the family, the situation has been catastrophic. His mother is raising three children on her own,” reads the GoFundMe. “Simon is the eldest child in the family. He is a student and has two younger sisters. Their father died when Simon was only 10 years old. Simon is now the only male member of the family.”
The family’s fundraising goal is $50,000 to cover Simon’s legal fees. As of Tuesday morning, over $39,000 has been donated.
According to the GoFundMe, Simon’s mom reached out to the Canadian embassy for help, but was told that it could not intervene in judicial proceedings.
“The family feels that they have exhausted all hope of receiving assistance from the Canadian government,” it reads.
In an email statement to Daily Hive, Global Affairs Canada said it’s aware of the arrest of a Canadian citizen in Georgia.
“Consular officials are providing consular assistance and are in contact with local authorities,” stated a spokesperson. “Due to privacy considerations, no further information can be disclosed.”
The spokesperson advised Canadians travelling to Georgia to check the government’s travel advice for the country.
The travel advisory says that Canadians who bring prescription medications are “responsible for determining their legality in Georgia.”
“Georgian authorities strictly regulate the possession and import of prescription medication under special control, including narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and some over-the-counter medication that is commonly available in Canada,” it reads.
“If you carry prescription medication that is illegal under Georgian law, you could face deportation or a jail sentence.”
Global Affairs also suggests checking its travelling with medication page for advice when travelling with prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, or medical equipment.
If you want to help Simon and his family, you can donate to or share his GoFundMe page.