ATHENS - The Greek coastguard detained over 160 clandestine immigrants in separate operations in the Aegean Sea over the weekend, the merchant marine ministry said on Sunday.
The immigrants, claiming to be Afghan or Palestinian, were found on boats in the Agean Sea or on the Agean islands of Lesbos, Leros, Chios and Samos.
A 33-year-old man suspected to be a trafficker was arrested with them.
The Greek islands in the Aegean are used as landing points for would-be immigrants on the human-smuggling route from Asia to Europe.
Thousands are detained every year after risking their lives to cross from Turkey aboard rickety vessels, many of which sink en route.
Only a small minority are given asylum in Greece. The majority are temporarily detained before being released with orders to leave the country.
08/12/2007 15:48 GMT