Greek border authorities released statistical data from June 2014 that show a dramatic increase in incidents of immigrants trying to enter Greece illegally.
The number of undocumented immigrants has more than doubled compared to June 2013 when border authorities had arrested 1,174 people in 46 different occasions. This June, the number stood at 2,783 arrests in 96 incidents. Meanwhile, in May 2014 there were 1,628 arrests in 67 incidents.
In June 2014, 25 traffickers were arrested, a slight increase compared to the 23 who were arrested in June the previous year and a larger decrease compared to May 2014 when 36 traffickers were arrested. Furthermore, Greek authorities confiscated 19 boats used for human trafficking in June 2014. In the same month of 2013, only 6 boats were confiscated and in May 2014 the number stood at 17.
Furthermore, 193 people attempted to exit Greece illegally, in 53 different occasions, while 28 traffickers were arrested, 1 boat and 17 vehicle were confiscated, along with 42 forged travel documents.
As far as drugs entering Greek borders, 27 cases of drug trafficking were recorded by the authorities and 60 people were arrested in June 2014. The Greek Coast Guard confiscated 2,131 kilos of heroin, 547 kilos of cannabis and 53 cannabis plants, 7.3 grams of cocaine and a small quantity of amphetamines and barbiturates.
During 6 other occasions, Greek authorities confiscated 1,196,993 illegal cigarette packs, which were estimated they would cost the country 4,044,661 euros in lost taxes. Moreover 16.6 tons of raw petroleum, and 39.4 tons of refined oil were confiscated, with estimated revenue loss of 18,240 euros.
Finally, 13,667 liters of whiskey had illegally been imported in Greece, costing the state 216,392 euros in lost taxes.
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