Romanian border guards discovered 13 people without proper travel documents during a routine truck check near Calafat early this morning. The guards worked with Bulgarian police officers to inspect a Turkish truck at the Calafat-Vidin crossing around 4:15 AM. A 34-year-old Turkish driver was hauling metal parts from Turkey to the Netherlands when officers stopped his vehicle. Police noticed someone had cut and retied the cargo area's safety cord. This damage prompted officers to search the truck more carefully.
Officers found 13 people hiding inside the cargo area without any identification papers. The individuals told police they came from Syria and Iraq. None of the people carried valid visas or permits needed to travel through European Union countries. Romanian border officials said the group lacked proper documentation to explain their travel plans. The discovery violated European border security rules for the Schengen travel zone.
Bulgarian authorities took control of the investigation after Romanian police completed their initial inspection. The Bulgarians assumed responsibility for the driver, all 13 passengers, and the truck itself. Romanian border police released details about the case through their main headquarters office. The incident highlights ongoing challenges with illegal border crossings in southeastern Europe. Both countries continue working together to stop unauthorized travel through their shared border area.
Officers found 13 people hiding inside the cargo area without any identification papers. The individuals told police they came from Syria and Iraq. None of the people carried valid visas or permits needed to travel through European Union countries. Romanian border officials said the group lacked proper documentation to explain their travel plans. The discovery violated European border security rules for the Schengen travel zone.
Bulgarian authorities took control of the investigation after Romanian police completed their initial inspection. The Bulgarians assumed responsibility for the driver, all 13 passengers, and the truck itself. Romanian border police released details about the case through their main headquarters office. The incident highlights ongoing challenges with illegal border crossings in southeastern Europe. Both countries continue working together to stop unauthorized travel through their shared border area.
