Law enforcement conducting aerial searches for undocumented immigrants
In a series of operations over the weekend, the Federal Police in Saxon Switzerland-Osterzgebirge district intensified their efforts against smugglers and illegal migrants.
On Sunday, the district saw a particularly challenging day with the arrival of 144 refugees from various countries, including Syria, Libya, Afghanistan, and Egypt. Helicopters were repeatedly used along the A17 and B170 to locate the refugees, with ground support provided by the readiness and state police.
The operations resulted in the apprehension of 17 individuals in various locations, including the loading area of a transporter in Bad Schandau. Eight men and one child were found at the bus station in Pirna and handed over to the Federal Police, although their nationality remains unknown.
Two Syrian nationals were stopped on the A17 near Heidenau, and another 18 individuals, also presumed to be Syrian, were apprehended in the same area. Four men and a woman, also presumed to be Syrian, were arrested on Zehistaer Street in Pirna.
A Ukrainian smuggler was provisionally arrested over the weekend, and an arrest warrant was issued against the suspect by the Dresden Public Prosecutor's Office on Monday. The suspect is currently in custody.
The Dresden Police Directorate was supported by officers from the Saxon Readiness Police and the Joint Fugitive Group (GFG) during these operations. A total of 62 officers were involved.
On Friday, the Dresden Police Directorate conducted an operation to combat smuggling crime, during which 136 vehicles and 290 people were checked, and an offense report was filed for 32 people for illegal entry.
The public can report suspicious observations and suspected smuggler vehicles to the Federal Police Inspectorate in Berggießhübel at 035023-676 300. Alternatively, the public can use the Federal Police's free hotline at 0800 6 888 000 or the contact form on www.bundespolizei.de.
While the organization that conducted the action against smuggling crimes on Thursday in Dresden was not specified in the available search results, it is clear that the Federal Police are committed to maintaining the integrity of the country's borders and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
