The Hellenic Police have successfully dismantled a major international drug trafficking network involving Albanian leaders, responsible for distributing over 1.5 tons of cannabis and more than 43.5 kilograms of cocaine across Europe. The network, composed of four criminal organizations, was also tied to incidents of fan violence and robberies against rival sports team supporters.

Authorities arrested 28 individuals, 21 of whom were identified as key members of the criminal organizations. The group not only engaged in large-scale drug trafficking but was also involved in planning and executing acts of violence at sporting events, both inside and outside stadiums.

The operation to dismantle the network revealed a complex hierarchy within the organization, comprising four tiers. The top leaders, two Albanian nationals, controlled the network’s drug supply and finances. One leader, known as “Shorty,” had a history of violent offenses, including a stabbing incident in 2016. The second leader, referred to as “Sal,” secretly owned a grill shop used as a front for illegal activities.

While in Korydallos prison between 2018 and 2020, “Sal” continued to manage drug deals using encrypted applications. He maintained luxurious amenities in his cell, such as a smart TV and Internet access, allegedly with the cooperation of prison staff. Furthermore, both leaders were linked to a vehicle rental company in Syngrou Avenue, part of a larger business operation involving rental services in Mykonos.

The operation’s success hinged on decrypting messages from applications like “EncroChat” and “Sky ECC,” utilizing international cooperation through Eurojust and Europol. They found crucial evidence stored on servers seized in France, leading to the joint investigation with countries including France, the Netherlands, and Belgium.

The efforts of Greek authorities, combined with vital intelligence from European partners, ultimately led to the arrests and brought to light the extent of the criminal network’s operations.

Ads1
Ads1

Greek City Times 2025
Bill Giannopoulos

Recent Posts

Earthquake Rattles Kefalonia, No Damage Reported

A 3.6-magnitude earthquake struck Kefalonia on Tuesday night, unsettling residents, but no injuries or damage…

7 minutes ago

EU Proposes 25% Tariffs on US Goods, Excludes Bourbon to Protect Wine Exports

The EU plans to impose tariffs of up to 25 percent on US goods like…

25 minutes ago

Passing of Metropolitan Damaskinos of Kydonia and Apokoronas

The beloved Metropolitan of Kydonia and Apokoronas, Damaskinos (Papagiannakis), passed away today after a prolonged…

2 hours ago

Government to Unveil “Relief Package” at Thessaloniki International Fair: 13th Pension, ENFIA Abolition, and Tax Cuts on the Table

The Greek government is set to announce a bold economic relief package at the Thessaloniki…

3 hours ago

Economist: “Mortal Enemies” Netanyahu and Erdoğan Due to Syria

Turkey's growing military presence in Syria, including plans to control the T4 air base near…

3 hours ago

U.S. Imposes 104% tariffs on China, confirms White House, effective from April 9

The tariff escalation, announced by White House Press Secretary Leavitt, throws global markets into deeper…

3 hours ago