In Latgale, a smuggler of illegal migrants was detained after a chase.
On Monday, as a result of cooperation between the State Police and the State Border Guard (SBG), another smuggler was detained and the illegal crossing of the border by six illegal migrants was prevented, the SBG reported.
Police attempted to stop a "Jeep" vehicle for inspection in the Laucesa parish of the Augšdaugava region, but its driver ignored the demands and sped off towards Daugavpils.
The police began pursuing the vehicle, which was eventually stopped in Daugavpils; however, the driver and passengers fled in different directions.
The police fired a warning shot into the air, after which one person was apprehended.
Several units of the State Police and the Daugavpils municipal police were called for support, as well as operational staff from the SBG's criminal investigation department and a dog handler with a service dog.
As a result of the operational measures, the police detained the smuggler - a citizen of France - as well as three passengers. Meanwhile, SBG officers, along with the dog handler, detained two more passengers of the vehicle in one of the abandoned houses.
During the investigation, it was established that the passengers did not have valid travel documents, valid visas, or residence permits.
Criminal proceedings have been initiated against the smuggler, and the six individuals were returned to the border with Belarus.
