Interpol seizes thousands of weapons and explosives in multi-country operation

Interpol announced that its Trigger X operation, carried out from 22 June to 3 July in 17 countries across Europe and Central Asia, led to the confiscation of thousands of illegal weapons, nearly four hundred explosives and grenades, and tens of thousands of cartridges. The raid also resulted in 152 arrests for weapons possession, trafficking and related offences like drug and human trafficking. Significant interceptions occurred at the Lesovo border crossing between Bulgaria and Turkey, where two trucks carrying over 1,000 military-type rifles were stopped, and another truck hiding 73 pistols under the driver’s seat.

Additional seizures included 20 inflatable boats in Bulgaria linked to migrant-smuggling networks and 68 grenades in Serbia sourced from Bosnia and Herzegovina. A clandestine workshop was uncovered producing converted firearms, and various contraband items such as cocaine, marijuana, cigarettes and undeclared goods were also seized. Fifteen of the detainees were subject to Interpol notices, and five were international fugitives, including one captured in Georgia at Turkey's request.