RIGA, May 11 (LETA) - On Monday, cooperation between the State Police and the State Border Guard resulted in the apprehension of a carrier and the prevention of illegal border crossing of six illegal migrants, the State Border Guard informed LETA.

Police officers attempted to stop a Jeep car for inspection in Laucesa parish of Augsdaugava municipality, but its driver ignored the police officers' legal demands and drove at high speed in the direction of Daugavpils.

The police immediately started a pursuit, which resulted in the car being stopped in Daugavpils, but the driver and passengers fled in different directions.

The officers fired warning shots in the air and managed to apprehend one person.

Several State Police and Daugavpils Municipal Police crews, as well as operatives of the State Border Guard Criminal Investigation Department and a dog handler with a service dog were deployed to provide support.

As a result of the measures taken, State Police officers detained the carrier, a French national, and three passengers, while State Border Guard operatives together with the dog handler detained two more passengers in an abandoned house.

During the investigation, it was found that the passengers of the car did not have valid travel documents and valid visas and residence permits.

Criminal proceedings have been initiated against the carrier for providing a large number of persons with the possibility to stay illegally in Latvia.

Six persons were returned to the border with Belarus.

The State Border Guard reiterates its call on citizens not to engage in illegal activities and reminds them that there are severe penalties for involvement - offenders who organize and support the illegal movement of persons may be sentenced to two to ten years' imprisonment and confiscation of property.