Quelle: TO BHMA

Authorities arrested 31.318 foreign nationals, 26 human traffickers and seized 129 vessels in June alone

The Coast Guard carried out 17 search and rescue operations in the past 24 hours, in the maritime areas around Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Leros and Kos, rescuing a total of 738 migrants who attempted to enter Greece.

According to the statistics presented by the Coast Guard, in June alone there were 517 documented attempts by migrants to illegally enter Greece, with the authorities arresting 31.318 foreign nationals. A total of 26 suspected human traffickers were also arrested and 129 vessels were seized.

Meanwhile, there were 67 documented attempts to leave the country illegally, with authorities arresting 163 foreign nationals and 27 suspected human traffickers. One vessel, 16 vehicles and 29 forged passports were also seized.

Aside from migration, the Coast Guard was also involved in 4 operations relating to illicit cigarette trade, with 6 suspects arrests, in vehicle and 1,348 packets of cigarettes and tobacco seized. The tax value on the illicit tobacco products was estimated to be 6,233.10 euros.

Finally, the narcotics department was involved in 13 operations, which resulted in the arrest of 16 suspects, while nearly two kilos of cannabis, 14.2 grams of heroin, 152 ecstasy tables, and 38 tranquilizers were seized.