Police stop truck in Slovenia, uncover nearly 100 illegal immigrants; second arrest follows

Slovenian police have intercepted two separate smuggling operations, apprehending a total of over 120 foreign nationals and arresting two drivers. The operations highlight ongoing challenges with illegal border crossings and human trafficking in the region.

In the first incident, Slovenian police at Obrežje arrested a 37-year-old Serbian citizen driving a truck. The vehicle, registered in Serbia, was found to be carrying nearly 100 foreign nationals. The truck was laden with wheat, and the cargo area was used to conceal the individuals. Police later identified 99 foreign nationals found in the wider Drnovo area: 69 from Bangladesh, 28 from Pakistan, one from Ghana, and one from Nepal.

The driver faces criminal charges for illegally crossing the border or territory of the state and has been brought before an investigating judge. The foreign nationals discovered in the truck have expressed their intention to seek international protection in Slovenia.

Later the same afternoon, police in Drnovo arrested a 27-year-old Slovakian citizen driving a van. This vehicle was found to be carrying an additional 27 foreign nationals who had also entered Slovenia illegally. The van was seized, and the driver is also facing criminal charges. The nationalities of these individuals are still being processed, with reports mentioning 25 from Egypt, one from Turkey, and one from Russia.

The Novo Mesto Police Department expressed gratitude to citizens who reported suspicious circumstances, emphasizing that public cooperation is crucial for maintaining security and uncovering criminal activities. They urged the public to continue reporting any suspicious activities without delay.