Criminals used children to deal cocaine and other drugs at schools

Greek police have uncovered new details about a drug trafficking ring operating in schools in the northern suburbs, revealing previously undisclosed voice recordings.

As part of the investigation, a total of 12 individuals have been arrested, including six minor students who are alleged to have acted as dealers. Beyond school grounds, those involved are also reported to have trafficked hashish and cocaine in public spaces, such as squares.

According to the findings of the investigation, members of the group were trading cocaine and cannabis even during school excursions. It was established that they carried out 203 transactions over a period of three months, with the vast majority taking place within school premises.

The illegal activity extended beyond schools, also occurring in squares and other public areas.

The alleged “mastermind” of the ring was a man known by the nickname “Fratelos,” while the deputy leader was a 19-year-old known as “Zoumbos.”

It also emerged that the adult members exploited the minors by assigning them to distribute drugs inside the school. If a minor failed to do what was demanded, they were subjected to torture. In one case, cigarettes were even extinguished on a member’s body.

MEGA television has brought to light revealing voice recordings:

• “Where are you?”

• “At school.”

• “Good, no messing around, bro, don’t drive me crazy with ‘I’ve got school, I’ve got this.’ You jump the fences. You go, take one minute and get out of there, go to that square behind your father’s place.”

• “In how long?”

• “In a maximum of five minutes you’d better be there. Because if you’re not there in five minutes, I swear you’ll get beaten up, bro.”

• “With money though, right?”

• “The money later or tomorrow. Because I’ll take it to a friend of mine.”

• “Uh, okay.”

Sales Even in Schools

So far, more than 260 drug transactions have been recorded, mainly in the areas of Nea Chalkidona, Ano Patisia and Nea Filadelfeia. Many of these took place inside or near schools.

According to what was broadcast by MEGA’s programme “Exelixeis Tora,” the alleged mastermind was again referred to by the nickname “Fratelos,” with the deputy being a 19-year-old known as “Kontos.”

It was further established that adult members exploited minors by assigning them the distribution of drugs inside the school. If a minor did not do what was asked, they were subjected to torture. In one case, cigarettes were even put out on a member’s body.

A female student from the school, speaking to STAR TV’s main news bulletin, revealed how the minor dealers tried to “fish” for customers inside the schoolyard.

“They were sitting in the courtyard and came and grabbed me. They told me they were new at the school and that they would organise a party so we could get to know each other. Then they told me that if I wanted to be more relaxed, they had something that would make me forget all my problems for very little money. After that I never saw them again. I think some of my classmates bought, but I don’t know what,” she said.