Drugs, Violence, Terror: Police Crackdown at Vienna's Westbahnhof
The events at the Vienna Westbahnhof were given special attention by the police on Monday evening. On one hand, it was about criminal police phenomena, and on the other hand, there were also immigration police checks.
Focus at Vienna Westbahnhof against Drugs and Radicalization
According to the Ministry of the Interior, the Westbahnhof is considered - like many transport hubs - as one of the hotspots in drug trafficking. The authorities repeatedly register violent confrontations with injuries.
There were also checks at the basic care quarters near the Westbahnhof, where mainly asylum seekers are accommodated. The police wanted to primarily check the residents' lawful stay in Austria, but also prevent any social benefit fraud. A focus was also placed on possible signs of radicalization in the accommodations - such as flags of terrorist organizations or similar, according to the Ministry of the Interior.
Already 2,192 Focus Operations in Vienna This Year
The checks were one of 2,192 focus operations that, according to the Ministry of the Interior, have been conducted in the federal capital since the beginning of the year. There were charges against 1,198 people. 198 individuals, including 30 minors, were arrested. 32 weapons, six of which were with minors, more than 13,000 euros in cash, and drugs were seized. In 2024, there were 5,188 focus operations with 728 arrests - 55 of those arrested were minors. Additionally, 83 weapons, 22 of which were with minors, over 47,000 euros in cash, and several kilos of drugs were confiscated.
Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP), who visited the officers at the Westbahnhof on Monday, commented: "In Vienna, focus operations take place daily - with different directions. The checks are planned based on a strategic analysis and tactically implemented by various units of the Vienna police."
(APA/Red)
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