14/09/2018 (Agence Europe) – A large-scale operation was carried out between 5 and 9 September, mobilising 8300 agents in a clampdown on illegal trafficking in firearms and drugs, illegal migration and document fraud in the Western Balkans, Europol announced on Friday 14 September. In total, 482,014 people, vehicles, premises and parcels were searched and the operation led to 180 arrests and the seizure of 159 firearms and explosives and 286 kg of drugs. The operation was coordinated by Europol and the 'EMPACT firearms' programme led by Spain, with the participation of all countries of the Western Balkans, 20 EU member states and with the support of Interpol and Frontex. Europol explains that since last week, 21 new investigations have been opened, meaning that the total number of arrests could rise higher. (MF)