Three arrests in Patras over illegal firearms following social media posts
Three people were arrested in Patras on 29 May for unlawful possession of weapons. The case was initiated by public posts featuring photographs and videos of firearms on social media.
Arrests over illegal weapons in Patras — accused person attempted to escape
Three people were arrested in Patras in the early morning of 29 May in connection with an illegal firearms case, according to Naftemporiki. The operation was carried out by police officers from the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime.
The investigation began when information was received by the Subdirectorate for Combating Human and Goods Trafficking: a person had posted photographs and videos of firearms of various types to a publicly accessible social media account. Following evaluation of the evidence and upon instruction of the prosecutor, a special police unit from the Department for Prosecuting Illegal Trafficking and Trade in Items was established.
The main suspect was identified leaving a house in an area of Patras. When approached by police officers, he attempted to escape on foot without complying with their lawful instructions, but was immobilised following a brief chase.
In subsequent searches, in the presence of a judicial officer, weapons and related material were found and seized in houses and premises used by the suspect. The involvement of two co-defendants emerged as two of the carbines discovered bore licences issued in their names. In a search that followed at the house of one of them, two folding knives, 52 cartridges of various types and a hunting carbine were seized.
The three arrested persons were taken before the competent prosecutor. They face charges — depending on the case — for violations of firearms legislation, unlawful use of a metal detector, violations of legislation on flares and fireworks, as well as for disobedience. The preliminary investigation is continuing.
Source: Naftemporiki