Felony charges filed against 13 Turks for transporting arsenal in Meriç

Thirteen Turkish nationals who were arrested by the Northern Greece Organized Crime Unit have been charged with felony offenses for allegedly transporting a large cache of weapons across the Greek border.

The suspects — seven men and six women — appeared before the Alexandroupolis prosecutor on Monday, facing accusations of smuggling 147 pistols, 190 magazines, and various gun parts and components. They were formally charged with felony-level weapons offenses and have been referred to an investigative magistrate, from whom they have requested time to prepare their statements. Their depositions are scheduled for next week.

Until their judicial fate is determined, all 13 remain in custody.

According to police sources, the group was arrested near Soufli, in the Meriç region, following a coordinated operation by Greece’s so-called “FBI,” the country’s Organized Crime Division. Authorities reportedly had prior intelligence about the suspects’ movements.

The suspects allegedly crossed the Meriç River by boat before entering Greek territory, carrying the weapons hidden in sacks. Investigators believe the cache was destined for a criminal network of Turkish nationals operating both inside and outside Greece.

Preliminary statements given to police suggest the accused claimed ignorance of the cargo’s contents. They reportedly told authorities that the boat owner directed them to deliver the packages to an individual in Greece, insisting that they were unaware they contained weapons. They also said they intended to seek political asylum upon arrival in Greece.

Source: Paratiritis News