Brčko, 2 February 2010. -  In the largest joint operation yet, dubbed “Light”, Bosnia and Herzegovina law enforcement agencies blocked and searched the Wahhabi settlement Gornja Maoča near Brčko, arresting seven persons suspected of posing a security threat to the country. A large quantity of weapons, as well as computers and documents were seized during the searches.

“Though it is an ongoing operation, I wish to commend the excellent cooperation of all law enforcement agencies on State, entity, cantonal level and the Brčko District, during today’s operation in Brčko,” said Stefan Feller, Head of the European Union Police Mission. “The EUPM, through its close monitoring, is receiving information that the coordination and exchange of information throughout the entire investigative process were at the highest level, which shows the ever-increasing degree of professional co-operation among law enforcement agencies and also with the Prosecutor’s Office and Service for Foreigners’ Affairs.”

The operation “Light” is jointly implemented by the Federation Police Administration, Republika Srpska Police, State Prosecutor’s Office, Brčko District Police, BiH Border Police, Intelligence Security Agency, Agency for Foreigners’ Affairs and cantonal law enforcement agencies. Some 600 law enforcement officers and officials took part in this action.

“Following the interrogation, [the arrestees] will be handed over to the BiH Prosecutors Office,” said Boris Grubešić, BiH Prosecutor’s Office Spokesperson.