Three suspected migrant smugglers arrested in Northern Greece
Authorities have arrested three suspected members of migrant smuggling networks in the Meriç (Evros) border region, accused of transporting migrants who had illegally crossed into the country from Turkiye.
According to a police statement, officers stopped a vehicle in the Kumçiftliği (Orestiada) area where 12 people, including the driver, were found crammed inside.
In a separate incident later the same day, police intercepted a driver carrying six migrants near Dimetoka (Didymoteicho). A third arrest was made near Şapçı (Sapes), where another suspect was found transporting six people westward.
Despite heightened border security measures and the construction of a fence along much of the frontier, thousands of migrants continue to enter Greece each year via Turkiye. Most aim to travel onward to wealthier parts of Europe in search of better living conditions.
Authorities say that so far this year, around 6,700 people from the Middle East and Africa have entered Greece irregularly from Turkiye and Libya. Of these, approximately 1,800 crossed via the Meriç (Evros) land border, while the remainder arrived by sea routes.
Photo:ERT
