During a check on the A44 near Soest in North Rhine-Westphalia, investigators discovered four pistols and eleven submachine guns in a car. Police and customs also found 6,800 rounds of ammunition and 192,000 primers in the trunk. Criminal proceedings were initiated against the driver on suspicion of violating the War Weapons Control Act and the Explosives Act, the Dortmund police said on Wednesday.

The 42-year-old was able to present documents proving the purchase of the weapons in the Netherlands. "However, the man did not have proof of the legal transport of the weapons in Germany," it said. Weapons, ammunition and accessories were confiscated.

Police and customs checked a total of 133 people and 90 vehicles during the action on Autobahn 44. More than 50 violations of various regulations were found - including tax offenses or driving without a license. Two arrest warrants were executed.