main control
Mysterious border guard operation with a military helicopter in Hefenhofen
On Wednesday afternoon, several forces from the Federal Customs and Border Protection Agency checked dozens of drivers in Thurgau. A military helicopter was also used. The Office did not disclose the reason for the operation.
The Luftwaffe Eurocopter flew the border guard over Thurgau.
Photo: Raphael Rohner
A dark helicopter flies low over Romanshorn and Amriswil on Wednesday afternoon. “There will definitely be a police pursuit,” suspects someone in a street in Romanshorn. The police of the Canton of Thurgau refused to use a helicopter when asked, “It’s not us. It is a border guard helicopter, says Matthias Graf, media spokesman for the Canton of Thurgau.
A dark helicopter circled over Romanshorn and Amriswil.
Photo: Raphael Rohner
Large-scale control of shopping tourists?
The alleged police helicopter is an Air Force Eurocopter. These fly from time to time as air reinforcements in the police or for border guards. The Air Force also repeatedly performs search and rescue missions by helicopters. After several overflights over Romanshorn and Amriswil, the helicopter finally turns back and begins its approach to landing.
The Eurocopter Luftwaffe is finally getting ready to land in the meadow between Hefenhofen and Romanshorn. There are a dozen or so border guards on the road next to her, checking the vehicles. “Where are you from and where are you going?” Asks the customs officer. The surprised drivers are not given a reason to be inspected. Two motorbike riders also have to stop and show their papers. Several emergency vehicles are available on site. In the distance, onlookers stop and watch the operation.
After approximately 30 minutes, the checks are released, the customs officers depart and the helicopter takes off again. Some viewers remain confused, re-look at the photos on their smartphones from the helicopter and ask, “What was that just a moment ago?”
Several dozen cars were checked during the main inspection.
photo of the reader
Reason for use unknown
The Federal Customs and Border Protection (BAZG) refuses to comment on the use in Hefenhofen when asked – “for tactical reasons,” says media spokesman Simon Erny.
There was also no information as to whether the fugitive was being sought and whether the action was a routine control of shopping tourists and even smugglers. All Erny says: “The Air Force helicopter has been ordered to support the emergency services on the ground.”