Scores of handguns and loaded ammunition clips was confiscated by Greek authorities in the border town of Soufli on Friday while no less than 13 Turkish nationals, seven men and six women, were arrested in relation to the case.
According to Greek Police (EL.AS), the arrests came as part of an undercover operation centered on a stakeout of a location where the weapons were left by smugglers that had crossed the border from Turkey.
The initial assessment is that the huge cache of handguns was intended to arm members of a criminal gang based in Turkey and, of late, active in Greece and Spain.
One of the most prominent such gangs, known as the “Daltons”, have been implicated in several violent incidents in Greece, both as victims and perpetrators.
Soufli lies in the northeast Evros prefecture, very close to the land border with European Turkey.
No information was given on whether the suspects had earlier crossed over the border or their residency status if they were already in the country.
Separate operation in Athens
Meanwhile, a major crimes unit in Athens reported another three arrests of Turkish nationals during raid at several residences.
Three Turkish nationals and a local man were arrested, with weapons (a pellet gun and switch blades) and drug (cannabis) charges filed.
