"They were involved in smuggling explosives and automatic weapons in a truck," said Jovica Stojic, a spokesman for the Security Information Agency. "More arrests are possible as the investigation is still ongoing."

Stojic said officials had arrested eight suspects in Serbia and seven in France. All 15 are Serbian citizens. He did not say who the weapons were destined for.

Belgrade is stepping up efforts to crack down on organized crime as part of its efforts to join the European Union.

Organized crime flourished in Serbia during 1990s when the country faced international isolation for its role in the Balkan wars.