5 Nov

Police in Greece have discovered 41 people who are believed to be illegal immigrants hiding inside a refrigerated truck.

Officers stopped the truck for a routine check on a motorway near the northern city of Xanthi on Monday.

The Associated Press reports that 39 of the 41 men are Afghans. One is an Iranian and another a Syrian.

The truck's refrigeration system was switched off, but some of the group complained of breathing problems and were taken to a hospital.

The truck is believed to have crossed the border into Greece from Turkey. Its Georgian driver has been arrested.

Last month, the bodies of 39 people who are believed to be Vietnamese were found inside a truck in Britain.

In Belgium, a refrigerated truck was found to be carrying 12 immigrants from the Middle East and Africa.

Greek authorities are on the alert for immigrants and refugees from Afghanistan, Syria and elsewhere who aim to enter Europe via Turkey.

nhk