Major anti-smuggling operation in Dedeağaç and Gümülcine: Trafficking ring dismantled

Police in Dedeağaç and Gümülcine carried out three coordinated operations within a single day, arresting six human smugglers and rescuing 26 irregular migrants.

The first incident occurred on Saturday along a rural road in the Dedeağaç region, when a human smuggler refused to stop his vehicle despite police signals, triggering an alert within the Hellenic Police (ELAS). Officers later discovered 11 irregular migrants inside the vehicle.

During the chase, it was revealed that three accomplices in a second vehicle were driving ahead of the smuggler in an attempt to detect police checkpoints. Although the driver tried to escape on foot after abandoning the car, he was quickly apprehended and taken into custody.

This case was the first of three smuggling-related incidents that police forces in Dedeğaç and Gümülcine dealt with that same day.

Six Arrests in 24 Hours

Authorities announced that five Greek nationals and one foreign national were detained across Saturday’s operations. Investigations revealed that the smugglers attempted to transport a total of 26 people illegally.

Second Operation: Driver Transporting 10 Migrants Arrested

In a separate incident on another rural road near Dedeağaç, officers from the Metaksades Border Guard Directorate stopped a vehicle driven by a foreign national. Inside, they found 10 irregular migrants who had been picked up from the border area and were being transported further into the country.

Third Operation on the Egnatia Highway: Vehicle With Fake Plates

The third arrest took place on the Egnatia Highway, between Dedeağaç and Gümülcine. A Greek driver was detained for transporting five individuals without the required documents. Further checks revealed that his driving license had previously been revoked and that the car was equipped with fake license plates.

Vehicles and Fake Plates Seized

Police seized all vehicles involved, a set of counterfeit plates, and several mobile phones as evidence. The detainees were referred to the relevant prosecutors, while investigations continue under the Ferres, Alexandroupoli, and Sapes Border Guard Units.