In a major bust, Greek police have dismantled a transnational drug trafficking network, seizing 271 kilograms (597 lbs) of cocaine with an estimated street value of €5.5 million ($6.3 million). The drugs from Latin America were found hidden in a container at the Port of Thessaloniki.
The operation, led by the Organized Crime Directorate, was initiated based on intelligence provided by the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA). After locating the container on Wednesday, August 6, police conducted a “controlled delivery,” monitoring the shipment’s route to Aspropyrgos in Attica.
Yesterday, Saturday, August 9, police moved in and arrested three members of the criminal organization as they attempted to retrieve the drugs from a specially modified cache within the container.
Greek police on the suspects of cocaine trafficking
According to police, the suspects had distinct roles within the professional trafficking network:
- A 47-year-old was responsible for coordinating the operation and communicating with the ringleaders.
- A 32-year-old was tasked with extracting the cocaine from the container and distributing it.
- A 40-year-old, who owned a transport company, provided the secure location and equipment for the operation.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to identify the key figures in the organization both in Greece and Latin America. In addition to the large cocaine seizure, police confiscated two vehicles, four mobile phones, and equipment from the transport company.
The success of the operation highlights the effective international cooperation between Greek and British law enforcement in combating organized crime.
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