MILITARY WEAPONS SEIZED

UNMIK Police have arrested three men for smuggling military weapons and explosives into Kosovo. A large quantity of illegal weapons, explosives and military equipment was also seized.

According to Investigators, UNMIK Police officers supported by KFOR troops intercepted a convoy of mules soon after it crossed into Kosovo from Albania. The intercept occurred shortly before 19:00h on 29 January, 2002 near the town of Ponoshevac in Pec Region, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) west of the province's capital, Pristina.

Leading the mules were two Albanian males and one Kosovo-Albanian male.
Confiscated were 20 automatic and sniper rifles, 2 machine guns with tripods, 15,000 rounds of ammunition, 20 kilograms of explosives with detonators, 30 hand grenades, and military uniforms.

The interception occurred as a result of joint UNMIK Police - KFOR patrols operating in off-road areas to interdict smuggling of all kinds.

The three suspects are held in police custody pending prosecution. Under current law in Kosovo, a conviction for the illegal possession of a large quantity of military weapons can result in a prison sentence of up to 8 years.

Derek CHAPPELL Barry FLETCHER
Chief of Press and Public Information Office of Press and Public Information
UNMIK Police HQ, Pristina UNMIK Police HQ, Pristina

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For additional information, contact the UNMIK Police Office of Press and Public Information at Police MHQ in Pristina: Tel. (381)-38-504-604-5071, FAX 5073.