Law enforcement conducting aerial searches for undocumented individuals
In a series of operations over the weekend, the Federal Police in the Saxon Switzerland-Osterzgebirge district have been actively combating smuggling crime.
Last Friday, officers from various units, totalling 62, carried out an operation in the region. During this operation, they found 20 Syrian nationals near Heidenau and Zehistaer Street in Pirna, and 8 men, along with 1 child, at the bus station in Pirna. The nationality of the latter group remains unknown.
A total of 136 vehicles and 290 people were checked during this operation. An illegal entry report was filed for 32 of those checked, and over the weekend, 17 people were apprehended in various locations, including Bad Schandau. Notably, a Ukrainian smuggler was provisionally arrested during this period.
The operations extended over the weekend, with helicopters being used along the A17 and B170 to trace the refugees. The refugees over the weekend were found to be from Syria, Libya, Afghanistan, and Egypt. On Sunday, the district faced a challenge with 144 refugees.
The Dresden Police Directorate was supported by officers from the Saxon Readiness Police and the Joint Fugitive Group (JFG) during these operations. On Monday, an arrest warrant was issued against the suspect by the Dresden Public Prosecutor's Office.
For those wishing to report suspicious activities, the Federal Police offers a free hotline (0800 6 888 000) and a contact form on their website (www.bundespolizei.de). The Federal Police Inspectorate in Berggießhübel also accepts tips on suspicious observations and suspected smuggler vehicles under 035023-676 300.
The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help maintain the safety and security of the region.
