Nine people have been arrested by border guards in southern Poland for arms dealing and criminal activities.

The regional prosecutor in Nowy Sacz stated that the group is being charged with dealing in narcotics, arms, explosives and people.

The criminal group has been working in the Silesia region since September 2009 and includes a Slovakian citizen charged with bringing illegal arms into Poland.

Silesian police worked with border guards and customs officials to effect the Monday morning arrest in which 1,006 ecstasy tablets, 1.5 kg of methamphetamines, 17 capsules of ephedrine, two Kalashnikov rifles, six small arms and over 600 pieces of ammunition were confiscated.

The criminals face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. (mmj)