41.   An Albanian go-between Arif Ereki, allegedly carrying illegal immigrants in his car, was arrested near Lecce in the Apulia region, according to police.

42.   At the same time, the government granted the navy wider powers to stop and inspect vessels suspected of carrying illegals immigrants.

43.   But since then, seven boats carrying illegal immigrants have attempted to reach Greece, Merchant Marine Minister Giorgos Anomeritis said Tuesday.

44.   They claimed two ships carrying illegal immigrants collided on or just before Christmas and that one of them, a Panamanian-registered vessel, had sunk.

45.   Italian port authorities said they would seize boats carrying illegal immigrants.

46.   The Johan, which was already carrying illegal immigrants, then sailed to Hermioni, dropped its clandestine cargo and hurriedly left the port.