More than 900 weapons and pieces of ammunition were seized after a global crackdown on gun traffickers.
A joint operation by police forces across Europe led to more than 42,000 parcels checked for weapons.
Six firearms, 13 firearms parts, 600 items of ammunition and 297 other weapons, including knives, pepper spray and Tasers, were seized.
In Operation Armstrong VII police and customs authorities from 26 countries united, with the international co-ordination supported by crime agency Europol and the European Commission.
"The use of fast parcels or parcel mail has been identified as a key modus operandi for firearms trafficked to and within the EU," Europol said.
"Europol has been actively involved from the onset of this operation by collecting intelligence from all participating partners on firearms and ammunition seized from postal packages from November 2019 until October 2020.
"This intelligence was used as input to identify risk indicators that were shared with law enforcement to prioritise checks and identify packages possibly containing firearms or firearms-related commodities."
The operation targeted the trafficking of firearms to and within the EU through post and courier services. Police and customs authorities in the participating countries carried out enhanced controls of suspicious parcels and postal shipments after months of surveillance of dark web transactions.
"During the action week, Europol set up a virtual command centre and provided a platform for real-time information sharing and cross-checking of intelligence, creating a communication network involving police and custom authorities," the crime agency said.
"Information collected and shared during the action days will be processed and analysed in the post-operational phase, during which concerned countries will be duly informed about any relevant outcomes."
Europol said criminals exploited the differences in legislation in various countries, whereby firearms or firearms components restricted in one country can be ordered easily and openly from another through the internet.
As a result, firearms are frequently traded on online platforms, including dark web marketplaces.
"This development has resulted in a significant increase in the use of parcel and postal services to traffic firearms and firearm components," Europol said.
"With millions and millions of parcels crossing the borders, finding the particular shipments containing firearms and other prohibited items constitutes a sizeable challenge for police and customs and other law enforcement authorities across Europe.
"In this endeavour, the key success-defining factor is intelligence: knowing what to look for and where and when they'd arrive based on emerging new trends. This can only be achieved through active and continuous operation between police and customs and the private industry, including post and express courier services."
Countries involved included the UK, Germany, the US and the Netherlands.
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Neighbourhood Watch
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
Saturday, May 16 (kick-offs UAE time)
Borussia Dortmund v Schalke (4.30pm)
RB Leipzig v Freiburg (4.30pm)
Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin (4.30pm)
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Paderborn (4.30pm)
Augsburg v Wolfsburg (4.30pm)
Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Monchengladbach (7.30pm)
Sunday, May 17
Cologne v Mainz (4.30pm),
Union Berlin v Bayern Munich (7pm)
Monday, May 18
Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen (9.30pm)
A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
Looking for a new family pet? Here are the links to visit when it comes to adopting...
Arabian Saluki Center of Dubai (Ascod)
Emirates Animal Welfare Society
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
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SPECS
Company profile
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Full list of brands available for Instagram Checkout
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Men's wheelchair 800m T34: 1. Walid Ktila (TUN) 1.44.79; 2. Mohammed Al Hammadi (UAE) 1.45.88; 3. Isaac Towers (GBR) 1.46.46.
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
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TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
Tomorrow 2021
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F1 line ups in 2018
Mercedes-GP Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas; Ferrari Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen; Red Bull Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen; Force India Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez; Renault Nico Hülkenberg and Carlos Sainz Jr; Williams Lance Stroll and Felipe Massa / Robert Kubica / Paul di Resta; McLaren Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne; Toro Rosso TBA; Haas F1 Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen; Sauber TBA
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The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Transmission: ten-speed
Power: 420bhp
Torque: 624Nm
Price: Dh325,125
On sale: Now
