In a joint operation targeting the trafficking of irregular immigrants between the British bases (SBAs) and the Republic, six suspected people smugglers and five undocumented migrants were arrested in the early hours of Thursday while attempting to cross from the north.

According to the SBA and the customs and immigration department, the men are all Syrian nationals and are currently in police custody.

Head of customs and immigration in the SBAs Mark Hartley attributed the operation’s success to the close coordination between the bases and their counterparts from the Republic’s Famagusta immigration department and the green line patrol unit.

“Thanks to our shared intelligence during this operation, we were able to get a very positive outcome,” Harley explained.

“We take this crime very seriously and it is important that we continue to share intelligence with the Cyprus Police to ensure we are able to tackle this illegal activity,” SBA police superintendent Dinos Petrou, said.

Petrou continued, “It is also very important that joint operations involving the SBA police, customs, and the Cyprus police continue in an effort to limit opportunities of criminals exploiting jurisdictional challenges.”

All eleven men will remain in custody pending further investigation.