Sergeant Matthew 'Des' Desmond, a 49-year-old British Army veteran, is facing a potential 12-year prison sentence in Georgia after being arrested for importing medication. Desmond declared the drugs, prescribed for spinal injuries sustained during a parachute jump in Afghanistan, upon entering Georgia from Turkey on his motorcycle in April. Despite declaring the medication, he was arrested and charged with importing narcotics because he lacked local paperwork.
Desmond, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, is currently incarcerated at Gldani Prison. According to his legal team, he experiences constant, unbearable pain and struggles with basic movement, receiving inadequate pain relief from prison medics. His sister, Claire-Louise Rough, has expressed distress, stating, "A man who once fought to protect the lives of others is now waiting for justice himself."
Former comrades have written letters to authorities on Desmond's behalf, describing him as an "honest," "compassionate," and "dependable" soldier. His legal representative, Jaba Kochlamazashvili, emphasized that Desmond had no criminal intent and that his circumstances, including his military service and the origin of his injuries, should be considered. The medication found on Desmond included buprenorphine, codeine, and Pregabalin.
While lawyers obtained the necessary documentation in May to prove the drugs were for personal medical use, Desmond remains in custody pending a hearing. Prosecutors reportedly acknowledge the medication was for personal use, but Desmond may have to plead guilty. His legal team stated that he faces a fine of up to £30,000 or a prison sentence of eight to 12 years. Conditions at Gldani Prison have historically been a concern, though recent reports indicate some improvements.
Desmond's military career includes service in 2PARA from 1995 to 2018, with significant deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. His actions during a 2008 tour in Helmand, where his battalion faced intense fighting, were documented in the book "Desperate Glory." He also served as an All Arms Advance EOD Operator, disarming improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan. His military honors include multiple General Service Medals, NATO medals, and the Operational Service Medal Afghanistan, in addition to the Meritorious Service Medal, which requires at least 20 years of meritorious service.