Five Turkish nationals remanded in custody after alleged arms and drug trafficking

Five Turkish nationals were remanded in custody on Monday after court appearances following their arrests in a coordinated operation by Greece's Organized Crime Unit. They face charges of arms and drug trafficking but denied the allegations.

Two of the suspects claimed they entered Greece in late November to seek political asylum. "How could we have made contacts and stored weapons and drugs in just 20 days?" they reportedly asked in their defense.

One suspect admitted to storing a suitcase filled with weapons in exchange for 1,500 euros and identified the person who gave it to him. "The suitcase is mine, but I didn't know what was inside," he reportedly said.

The five face two felony charges - illegal possession and trafficking of weapons, and drug trafficking - as well as three misdemeanors, including illegal entry and organizing crimes.