In a significant operation, Greek authorities arrested a Turkish national after discovering a substantial cache of weapons aboard his boat. The incident occurred near Alexandroupolis, close to the Greek-Turkish border, when the 55-year-old suspect fell ill and lost control of his vessel.

On Tuesday, the Greek coast guard received reports of a motorized boat drifting aimlessly in the waters outside the port of Alexandroupolis. Promptly responding to the distress call, coast guard officers located the unoccupied boat and conducted a thorough inspection. Their investigation revealed an alarming stockpile of 61 firearms, which included various types of handguns, pistols, and automatic rifles. Alongside the firearms, authorities also discovered silencers and nearly 3,000 rounds of ammunition, with some of the ammunition classified as military-grade.

The suspect, who remains hospitalized under police guard, faces multiple serious charges. These include illegally importing, smuggling, transporting, and possessing weapons and ammunition, all with the intent to distribute them for criminal activities. This incident raises significant concerns about the trafficking of arms across the border between Greece and Turkey.

Furthermore, the authorities have seized the boat and brought it ashore for further inspection. This action is a part of the ongoing efforts by Greek law enforcement to clamp down on illegal arms trafficking in the region. As the investigation unfolds, more details about the origins of the weapons and the suspect's intentions may come to light, shedding further insight into the potential criminal network involved.

This event is emblematic of the broader issues of smuggling and arms trafficking within the European region, particularly given the proximity of the Greek-Turkish border. The potential implications of such activities are considerable, raising alarms about the security and stability of the surrounding areas.