A man from Vancouver is currently detained in Georgia after his family revealed that he did not have a prescription for his ADHD medication. Simon Rovensky, aged 22, was carrying a labeled Adderall bottle during his trip to Georgia, accompanied by a friend. Despite having the medication and the doctor’s name on the bottle, he was stopped at the airport about a month ago. His sister, Nika Rovensky, stated that the officers did not accept a pharmacy receipt as evidence of the prescription.
Following a seven-hour interrogation with his friend, they were separated, and the family lost contact with Simon for 48 hours, causing great distress. An online fundraiser initiated by Nika disclosed that both Simon and his friend were subjected to a thorough search at the border. Simon has been accused of smuggling and narcotics-related offenses and is currently detained at Gldani Prison, located north of Tbilisi.
Although Simon’s family provided his prescription to Georgian authorities after the incident, prosecutors indicated that he would remain detained since he did not have it with him at the airport. Adderall, containing amphetamines, falls under Georgian law as “narcotic drugs of the highest medical and social risks.” If convicted, Simon could face up to 20 years in prison along with a substantial fine. The family reports that Simon has been in prison for nearly two months.
Nika expressed regret over Simon’s oversight regarding the prescription but emphasized the severity of the potential consequences he faces. Global Affairs Canada acknowledged the arrest of a Canadian citizen in Georgia and stated that consular officials are providing assistance and liaising with local authorities. Due to privacy concerns, further details cannot be disclosed.
Nika criticized the delayed wellness check conducted by consular officials and highlighted the fundraiser’s goal to cover a court-imposed fine, after which Simon would be deported to Canada. She urged Canadians to be cautious when traveling with ADHD medication to avoid severe penalties and imprisonment. Nika called for increased government intervention to assist in such cases.
