Europol Busts Major Schengen Weapons Trafficking Ring in Cross-Border Raid

Europol's Major Schengen Security Operation

In a high-stakes cross-border operation, Europol and Belgian federal police have dismantled a sprawling weapons trafficking network that exploited the Schengen Zone's open borders. The May 9 raids resulted in 20 searches across Belgium, uncovering an arsenal including assault rifles, grenade launchers, and over 450kg of synthetic drugs.

The Arsenal Uncovered

Authorities seized a shocking inventory of illegal weapons during the coordinated operation:

• 50 specific-brand handguns
• 13 additional handguns
• 4 machine guns
• 4 rifles
• 1 revolver
• Multiple high-capacity magazines
• 2 homemade batons

The weapons were destined for both organized crime groups and unlicensed private collectors, with some components smuggled from Austria in pieces.

Schengen's Security Paradox

Belgian authorities highlighted the unique challenges posed by Schengen's borderless travel:

• Eastern European weapon parts easily smuggled across borders
• Components reassembled at destination points
• New smuggling routes constantly emerging

"The open borders make weapon import controls extremely difficult," stated Limbourg's federal judicial police, noting connections to terrorism and transnational crime networks.

Months-Long Investigation Pays Off

The operation culminated a months-long investigation tracking the network's organizers, accomplices, and buyers. Two young arms dealers were arrested, already known for large-scale illegal exports. The raids also uncovered a drug lab and storage facility for illegal cigarettes.

Europol emphasized this was an international trafficking operation, with weapons exchanges including handguns, assault rifles, and even rocket launchers. Eleven suspects were apprehended in total during the sweeping security crackdown.