Police announce takedown of criminal gang importing cocaine into Europe

ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ

Over 320 kg of pure cocaine seized in Thessaloniki; three arrested leading international ring

Over 28 kg of cocaine confiscated and four individuals arrested in police operation in Athens

The Attica Security police on Thursday announced the takedown of an international criminal gang importing large quantities of cocaine from Latin America for illegal distribution in Europe. Police said the drugs were transported by sea, concealed in containers, and sold in European countries, including Greece, for extremely high illegal profits.

The criminal organisation was busted through collaboration with the DEA Office at the U.S. Embassy in Athens, the Hellenic Police special counterterrorism unit and the narcotics squad of the 3rd Piraeus Customs Office, with assistance from the SDOE and coastguard narcotics and smuggling squads.

According to the announcement, it was the culmination of an investigation lasting several months, using analysis, cross-checking of evidence and other methods to uncover the operational structure of the gang, whose operations allegedly garnered profits exceeding five million euros, and the role of each of its members.

Police have identified a 48-year-old man as the alleged leader, responsible for securing the drugs and for financing their purchase and transfer, a 36-year-old allegedly in charge of recruiting the other members, a 64-year-old man put in charge of communicating with other members of the organisation based abroad, as well as a 54-year-old in charge of protecting the 48-year-old and taking measures to avert his arrest.

The 48-year-old was arrested during a police raid on Wednesday morning, during which 210.3 kilos of cocaine were found in his possession. In a further search of residences and cars, police found another 510 grammes of cocaine, 131,675 euros, a loaded gun, ammunition and other evidence.

Police also noted that the 48-year-old faces an outstanding sentence of 20 years imprisonment and fine imposed on him in 2017, after he was found guilty of installing and operating a workshop producing the synthetic drug Captagon.

The 64-year-old, meanwhile, had served a prison sentence in the US for the transfer of weapons from Europe.

Police are continue to investigate the extent of the gang’s activities and possible links with similar organisations, as well as to identify possible additional members.

source ANA-MPA 

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