Greek police seize nearly 1.2 tonnes of cocaine

·

Greek police say they seized nearly 1.2 tonnes of cocaine and arrested 8 alleged members of an international drug trafficking gang.

Almost all of the cocaine, 1.18 tons, was found during a Friday afternoon raid at a house in the western Greek port of Astakos, police spokesman Theodoros Chronopoulos said Saturday.

The drugs were carefully packaged in 1,040 nylon bags, ready to be distributed to intermediaries, Chronopoulos said.

Four more home raids in the Athens area yielded a small amount of cocaine, some cannabis, an AK-47 assault rifle and three pistols. Police also seized over 233,000 euros ($257,000) in cash and impounded five vehicles.

Major General Petros Tzeferis, head of the Attica Security Directorate, said the cocaine came from the Caribbean and was destined to countries in Europe and northwest Africa.

Tzeferis said the investigation took six months and Greek police were aided by colleagues in Albania and Spain, as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration office at the U.S. Embassy in Athens.

Chronopoulos said the drug gang’s leaders were two permanent residents of Spain, with several Albanian citizens as underlings. Police were looking for nine alleged members not yet under arrest.

Two of the people already detained were guarding the stash at the house in Astakos, Chronopoulos said. Three other suspects who allegedly rented a van to pick up the packaged cocaine also were arrested.

Tzeferis said that some of those arrested were already known to police. Four had prior arrests; one had been arrested five times, for armed robbery, attempted murder and drug offences.

Tzeferis added that the gang’s estimated earnings from drug dealing “exceed 50 million euros” ($55 million).

Sourced via AP.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Cyprus to Carina: The 70-year legacy of Chris Nicolaou’s family store

Chris Nicolaou had two main goals when he arrived in Australia from Cyprus in 1955. The first was to be his own boss.

Greek community unites for heart health at AHEPA Australia’s fundraiser

AHEPA Australia hosted its Saving Hearts Fundraiser on Sunday, October 12, at The Grand Roxy in Brighton-Le-Sands, Sydney, raising over $2k.

Honouring Hellenism: One year of ‘Our People, Their Stories’ in Australia

“Our People, Their Stories,” an initiative of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, has celebrated its first anniversary.

GOCNSW hosts Dr Ifigeneia Dosi for inspiring Greek heritage language training

On Monday, October 13, the GOCNSW Afternoon and Saturday School Greek Language Program proudly hosted Dr Ifigeneia Dosi. 

Jon Adgemis’ pub buyback plan collapses after missed $6.7m payment

Bankrupt dealmaker Jon Adgemis has lost his bid to regain five Sydney pubs after missing a $6.7 million payment to administrators.

You May Also Like

Dr Anthea Katelaris leads team that investigates airborne COVID spread

The team at WSLHD Public Health Unit have found evidence that airborne transmission of COVID-19 can happen under the right conditions.

Greece assumes Presidency of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance

Greece has assumed the Presidency of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance for one year, taking over from the German Presidency.

Greek Community of Melbourne honours Mark Bouris’ contribution to Greek-Australian community

The president Bill Papastergiadis with the board provided a plaque to Mark to honour his contribution to the community, with Bill noting that Mark’s upbringing and Hellenic background resonated enormously with the audience.