Thessaloniki: Two arrests for heavy weapons intended for Turkish criminal organisation
Two individuals have been arrested in Thessaloniki while transporting a military rifle, submachine gun and ammunition. The weapons were intended for members of a Turkish criminal organisation.
Investigation into heavy weapons trafficking in Thessaloniki — two in police custody
On Saturday afternoon, officers from the Organised Crime Countermeasures Directorate for Northern Greece arrested two individuals in Thessaloniki, a 30-year-old Greek national and a 36-year-old Turkish national, as part of an investigation into the pending delivery of heavy weapons to a Turkish criminal organisation, according to In.gr.
The two suspects were spotted as they were leaving a ground-floor storage space of a shop, carrying cardboard packaging and a bag. Among the contents, police found a military rifle, submachine gun, magazines, telescopic sights and ammunition.
During the inspection, the 30-year-old refused to comply with police instructions and attempted to escape. He was immobilised at close range and arrested.
The police operation was carried out by officers from the Crimes against Life and Personal Liberty Bureau, with assistance from the Information and Special Operations Division. During searches of the storage space, residences and vehicles, additional weapons were located and seized.
A case file was opened against both arrested individuals and also against a 49-year-old Turkish national who is already in detention. The charges include — as applicable — aggravated illegal possession of weapons, moral complicity, possession of drugs, disobedience and participation in a criminal organisation.
The detained 49-year-old was further arrested because it was established that a Red Notice for International Search from Turkey's Interpol is outstanding against him. He is wanted to serve a custodial sentence of more than ten years for fraud with continuing effect, involving the use of information systems and financial institutions.
Authorities note that all three suspects have previously engaged prosecuting authorities' attention for various offences. The arrested individuals were taken before the competent prosecutor.
Source: In.gr