The Hellenic Police
dismantled an international cocaine trafficking organisation that was
trafficking cocaine via containers from Latin America. On Monday, a
large-scale police operation was carried out, during which a total of
seven members of the organisation were arrested, including the
leader.
According to
reports, the police used information from the DEA Office of the US
Embassy in Athens. The activity of the drug trafficking
organisation’s members was verified by an investigation, with the
assistance of the Narcotics Department of the Piraeus Customs Office.
The members of the
organisation were trafficking significant quantities of cocaine by
sea from Latin America to European countries, including Greece.
The drugs were
transported via containers, which were hidden in reefer containers,
while their importation into Greek territory was ensured through the
access of members of the organisation to the Port of Piraeus and the
unloading procedures.
During police the
operation to dismantle the organisation, 34.26 kilograms of cocaine
and 109,255 euros were confiscated.
The profits from
their illegal activities appear to exceed 600,000 euros, according to
the police.
A case was filed
against them for – in some cases – criminal organisation,
attempted murder, damage to foreign property, bodily harm, as well as
violations of legislation on weapons and drugs.
The arrested
persons, two of whom have previously been charged with similar
offences, were brought before the relevant prosecuting authority.
Investigations are continuing to reveal the scope of the criminal
organisation’s activities.
