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Europol: 382 arrests during joint actions against traffickers using the Balkan route

Europol: 382 arrests during joint actions against traffickers using the Balkan route
The Hague, 4 November 2022 (MIA) - Law enforcement authorities jointly targeted firearms trafficking, drugs trafficking, migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings during coordinated EMPACT Joint Action Days between 26 and 29 October. The operational activities mainly took place in the Balkans and Southeast Europe, Europol reported on Friday. The operational activities involving 28 countries across Europe were also supported by Eurojust, Frontex, INTERPOL, SELEC and other international organisations. Of the 382 arrests, 159 related to migrant smuggling, 112 related to drug trafficking, 38 related to firearms trafficking, 2 related to trafficking and human beings 71 related to other crimes. 2,476 illegal entries were detected and 106 firearms were seized. Drugs seizure included 304 kg of heroin, 147 kilograms of cannabis, 5 402 plants of marijuana and 1.3 kg of cocaine. The Balkan route is notorious for its use in a number of crime areas, including migrant smuggling and the trafficking of firearms and drugs into the EU.