Latvia detains two smugglers for illegal border crossings

Latvian authorities have detained two individuals for attempting to smuggle illegal migrants across the state border. On September 19, in the Rugātu parish, police stopped a Volkswagen minibus driven by an Estonian citizen. The vehicle contained six individuals who had illegally crossed the Belarus-Latvia border and lacked valid travel documents or residence permits.

On September 20, in the Asūne parish, border guards intercepted a second Volkswagen minibus driven by a Latvian citizen. Following a search, authorities located 12 additional individuals who had also illegally crossed the Belarus-Latvia border without proper documentation. Criminal proceedings have been initiated against the smugglers under laws regarding the illegal movement of persons across the state border during a period of enhanced border protection.