Watch video footage from the Hellenic Police operation in Rhodes and Attica that led to the dismantling of a criminal organization trafficking drugs across Greece.
A criminal organization involved in the distribution of large quantities of narcotics—specifically cocaine and unprocessed cannabis—has been dismantled.
Eight individuals have been arrested by the Anti-Narcotics Division, six of whom are accused of being members of the organization distributing cocaine and cannabis throughout the country.
Among them are two priests who, according to police, stored drugs inside a church in Attica, exploiting their clerical status. A third priest, an Old Calendarist, who was also a former model and YouTuber, is reportedly involved in the case as well.
How the Priest Was Arrested
During raids conducted on Friday in Attica and Rhodes, police seized 2,238 grams of cocaine, 9,092.6 grams of unprocessed cannabis, and cash totaling €4,380 and 24,500 Albanian lek.
The gang’s illegal profits are estimated at a minimum of €105,000.
The 40-year-old Old Calendarist priest was arrested on Friday after collecting a suitcase in which he had hidden the cocaine.
The suitcase had been transported by ferry by an elderly woman whom he had convinced that it contained nothing suspicious, while he himself flew to Rhodes by plane.
Police Announcement
A criminal organization involved in the trafficking of large quantities of cocaine and unprocessed cannabis across Greece has been dismantled.
The group was also engaged in the illegal transportation of migrants.
Eight individuals were arrested, six of whom are identified as members of the organization.
During the raids, police found and seized:
- 2,238 grams of cocaine,
- 9,092.6 grams of unprocessed cannabis,
- €4,380 and 24,500 Albanian lek, among other items.
The organization’s illicit profits are estimated at a minimum of €105,000.
According to the Anti-Narcotics Division’s investigation, the organization operated nationwide, handling the procurement, storage, adulteration, repackaging, and distribution of cocaine and cannabis, cultivating cannabis plants, and facilitating the illegal transport of migrants within Greece.
Structure of the Organization
The criminal network consisted of two operational branches with a clear hierarchy and distinct roles. Members had set up infrastructure for various stages of drug production and storage and had established a cannabis plantation in the region of Fthiotida.
First Branch
- A 52-year-old woman acted as the leader, responsible for directing other members, recruiting new participants, and storing drugs in safehouses before distribution.
- A 42-year-old man worked closely with her, handling storage, trafficking, and coordinating the smuggling of migrants. He also served as a liaison between the two branches.
- A 40-year-old, a 46-year-old, and a 52-year-old—priests—assisted in transporting, storing, and distributing cocaine and cannabis. They allegedly stored the drugs inside a church in Attica, exploiting their priestly positions. They also helped transport migrants under the leaders’ direction.
Second Branch
- A 50-year-old man led the second branch, overseeing the cultivation of cannabis plants in Fthiotida, providing funds and supplies, and managing the storage and distribution of drugs.
- The same 42-year-old liaison provided logistics support, supplying the plantation and transporting harvested cannabis.
- A 43-year-old woman stored and safeguarded quantities of cannabis and cocaine.
The Arrests
On the afternoon of November 7, 2025, in Rhodes, police arrested the 40-year-old priest, who was found carrying two plastic packages containing 2,188 grams of cocaine intended for distribution to a 38-year-old accomplice, who was also arrested.
Later the same day, in Athens, officers arrested the 43-year-old woman, the 42-year-old man, and the 52-year-old woman after discovering 9,092.6 grams of unprocessed cannabis and 50 grams of cocaine in their possession.
Items Seized
In total, police confiscated:
- 2,238 grams of cocaine
- 9,092.6 grams of unprocessed cannabis
- 14 packages of pharmaceutical substances
- 9 mobile phones
- 4 precision digital scales
- A mobile signal jammer
- €4,380 and 24,500 Albanian lek
- 4 vehicles
- Numerous plastic packaging materials
The gang’s total illegal profit is estimated at €105,000.
Seven of the eight suspects have prior records for similar or other offenses. Two of them were already under judicial restrictions.
The arrested individuals have been charged with drug trafficking and migrant smuggling and have been referred to an investigating magistrate.
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