A minibus carrying twenty undocumented migrants was stopped on the AP-7 highway near Riudellots de la Selva in Girona. The vehicle, registered in Italy, was halted by Mossos d’Esquadra and the driver was detained as authorities began immigration proceedings.
Police sources quoted by Diari de Girona, part of the Prensa Ibérica group, described the incident as it occurred during a routine preventive check conducted by the Regional Traffic Area around 11:15. The operation aimed to ensure road safety and verify travel documents for travelers on the highway.
Officers found twenty men crammed inside the van, all without proper documentation. The occupants were from Pakistan and India. Immediate steps were taken to address potential health concerns among the passengers due to the unsanitary travel conditions; medical services were alerted but no injuries were reported at the scene.
The van had departed from Milan and was en route to Portugal, according to authorities. After the stop, the group was escorted to the Santa Coloma de Farners police station in Girona for processing. The 28-year-old driver, a Pakistani national with no prior criminal record, was arrested by a court order on charges including promoting illegal immigration, driving without authorization, and transporting more passengers than allowed.
Authorities organized the transfer of the individuals from the station and arranged temporary shelter for them overnight in collaboration with local community groups while their statements were prepared for review by the mission court.
The National Police will continue with deportation proceedings as part of enforcing immigration laws and coordinating with relevant authorities in this case.