Balkans cope with drugs, human trafficking

NOVI SAD, Serbia, June 12 (UPI) -- Europol Director Max-Peter Ratzel says drugs, human and arms trafficking are the most dangerous crimes police face in Balkan states.

Ratzel said Balkan states are on the main route for criminal groups involved in the trafficking of heroin and cocaine, of people and weapons, the Dnevnik daily of Novi Sad reported Monday.

Ratzel and Liese Prokop, Austria's Interior minister, attended a regional conference of the EU liaison officers in the Western Balkan states in Belgrade last week.

Prokop has said Western Balkan states should intensify cooperation within the region and with the EU countries.