Greek police have arrested a Turkish couple at the port of Mytilene after a vehicle search uncovered 201 live 9mm rounds concealed within the chassis panels of their car, as investigators pursue suspected links to a transnational criminal network operating inside the European Union.
The pair arrived at Lesbos on a commercial ferry from the Turkish coast. Acting on prior intelligence, border security and customs personnel singled out their vehicle for inspection and found the ammunition hidden in the bodywork.
Both suspects refused to speak during initial interrogations.
Chief Inspector Ioannis Karavas said his unit has opened procedures with Interpol to check the suspects for active warrants and documented ties to Turkish organized crime.
"We have already initiated procedures with Interpol to check the suspects' backgrounds for active warrants or documented links to Turkish organized crime syndicates," Mr. Karavas said. Investigators are also examining transit data to determine whether the ammunition was intended for distribution on Lesbos or onward transport to Athens.
The arrests come amid a broader crackdown by Greek security forces following a series of violent shootouts between rival foreign gang factions in the greater Attica region in recent months.
The suspects face multiple felony charges under Greece's weapons possession laws and are scheduled to appear before a public prosecutor Tuesday for formal indictment.