A routine police check in Athens escalated into a major operation when weapons and explosives were discovered inside a vehicle. National Police officers stopped the car, which was occupied by a couple of Albanian origin, leading to their immediate arrest.
A specialised unit was dispatched to the scene, and the area was cordoned off for safety as further checks were carried out.
The 39-year-old male driver, who has an extensive criminal record, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2008 for drug trafficking but was released in 2015. His 33-year-old partner also has a criminal history. Authorities are now investigating potential connections between the man and organised crime, particularly in relation to possible attacks or criminal activities linked to the city’s nightlife.
The Security and Extortion Department of the GADA is leading the investigation, focusing on whether the explosives were intended for a specific target and if the suspects were involved in settling scores within organised crime circles. The 39-year-old has previously been questioned by police in cases involving weapons possession, domestic violence, and theft.