Italy-bound illegals arrested in Patras

Six illegal immigrants were intercepted on a truck waiting to board an Italy-bound ferry boat on Friday at the western port of Patras.

Harbour corps authorities found the illegals hidden in cardboard boxes carrying ouzo bottles. The 35-year-old driver of the lorry was arrested, while the vehicle was confiscated.

In an unrelated development, 11 illegal immigrants, all identified as Pakistani nationals, were arrested by Rafina port authorities on Friday on a variety of drug trafficking charges. Up to a kilo of hashish was seized at a residence in the west Athens district of Peristeri, along with money, a precision scale and other drug paraphernalia.

More arrests

Additionally, a 58-year-old truck driver was arrested in Patras on Sunday after eight illegal immigrants were found hidden in the vehicle as it prepared to board an Italy-bound ship.

The illegal migrants had been hidden behind crates of oranges.

Port authorities seized the truck, while six of the illegal immigrants were also detained. The other two, who were minors, were released.