Police launch cross-border operation against illegal fireworks trade

Police in Austria and the Czech Republic have launched a joint operation to curb the illegal fireworks trade, ORF reports. Checks are planned to continue until at least New Year’s Eve.

On Monday, traffic on the Nordautobahn was diverted through a motorway checkpoint at Schrick in the Mistelbach district. Thirty-five police officers and customs officials from both countries checked vehicles coming from the Czech Republic. Three explosive-detection dogs also took part.

Austria’s Federal Police Director Michael Takacs said a change to Czech law this year had given police there more powers, making closer cooperation possible. Targeted checks are also planned regularly in Lower and Upper Austria near the Czech border, as well as in Vienna.

Takacs said the operation began early because authorities had received information that the trade was already starting, with an initial peak around Halloween and activity continuing through New Year’s Eve. Petra Ledabylová, a police colonel in the South Moravian Region, said the law now specifies who can buy which types of fireworks and from what age. She said police had gained more powers in problem areas around Znaim and Family City, formerly Excalibur City.

Officers will also carry out other checks on drivers, including immigration and vehicle checks and alcohol and drug tests.