On Monday, April 28, border guards in Krāslava Municipality detained one Latvian citizen for transporting migrants and prevented seven persons from illegally crossing the state border. Meanwhile, in Augšdaugava Municipality, two persons who had illegally crossed the border were detected. To detain them, the border guard shift was forced to use physical force, special combat techniques, and a service dog.
Border guards in the Konstantinova Parish of Krāslava Municipality noticed a Volkswagen Sharan vehicle driven by a Latvian citizen on the Konstantinova-Skudriķi road. Upon inspecting the vehicle, it was found that seven persons of Asian origin were inside without valid travel documents, visas, and residence permits.
Criminal proceedings were initiated against the “carrier” under Article 285(1)3) of the Criminal Law for providing a large number of persons, i.e. at one time more than five persons, with a possibility to reside illegally in the Republic of Latvia.
Seven persons were prevented from illegally crossing the state border in accordance with Section 4 of the State Border Guard Law.
Meanwhile, in the Vecsaliena Parish of Augšdaugava Municipality, a dog handler with a service dog was involved in providing support to the border shift. During the search operation, the service dog indicated the presence of footprints, and two persons were noticed in a forest area. Upon seeing the border guard shift, the persons attempted to ran away. Border guards gave commands in several languages, stating “Stop! State Border Guard!” and warned that a service dog would be used if they failed to comply. However, the persons did not respond and continued to run away. When detaining the offenders, the persons resisted, prompting the border guard shift to use physical force, special combat techniques, and a service dog to detain them. These persons were also prevented from illegally crossing the state border in accordance with Section 4 of the State Border Guard Law.