Sixteen people arrested in a large-scale police operation against an alleged criminal network in Crete are being brought before prosecutors in Heraklion on Thursday, facing a range of serious charges linked to drug trafficking, weapons offenses and subsidy fraud.
According to police, the investigation centers on two criminal groups primarily involved in the distribution of cocaine and cannabis. Authorities say the network was largely connected to three families and linked through a 21-year-old man alleged to have served as the main drug supplier for one group while also playing an active role in the second.
The groups are believed to have been operating since the beginning of the year, mainly in areas around Heraklion and Malevizi.
Investigation Expands Beyond Drug Trafficking
The operation also uncovered an alleged fraud involving agricultural subsidy payments administered through Greece’s agricultural payments agency, OPEKEPE.
A total of 77 individuals have been included in the case file. Of those, 16 were arrested and face accusations that may include participation in a criminal organization, drug-related offenses, weapons violations, breaches of antiquities legislation and subsidy fraud.
The arrests followed a months-long investigation by anti-narcotics officers and a coordinated operation involving multiple specialized police units across Crete.
How the Two Groups Allegedly Operated
Police said members of the first group used homes and nearby outdoor areas as stash locations for drugs supplied by the 21-year-old suspect. The organization allegedly rotated the use of privately owned vehicles and relied on a shared operational mobile phone to conduct its activities.
Investigators linked members of the group to at least 108 cocaine and cannabis transactions involving different buyers, 33 of whom have been identified and included in the case file.
The second group allegedly received drugs from the same supplier, who is also accused of directing other members in the distribution of narcotics, mainly cocaine, to end users. Investigators identified at least 30 separate transactions, with all buyers reportedly identified.
Police also allege that two relatives of the central suspect assisted in concealing cocaine, cash and packaging materials.
Authorities estimate the expected financial gains from the drug-trafficking activities exceeded €85,000.
Alleged Subsidy Fraud Using Borrowed Livestock
During the investigation, police say they uncovered a scheme involving fraudulent agricultural subsidy claims.
According to investigators, two suspects, assisted by eight others, allegedly inflated the number of sheep and goats they declared in order to obtain or maintain state livestock subsidies.
Authorities claim the group attempted to present animals they did not own as part of their herds by transporting livestock from other farmers to livestock facilities and attaching identification tags linked to specific holdings ahead of official inspections.
Weapons, Drugs and Cash Seized
Police carried out 26 searches at homes, livestock facilities, storage areas and vehicles. Items seized included:
- 5,203.8 grams of raw cannabis
- 112.77 grams of cocaine
- €33,715 in cash
- Nine military-style rifles, additional firearms and a shotgun
- 128 rounds of ammunition
- Three samurai-style swords and two knives
- Six scales
- Six firecrackers and batons
- Two communication radios and 13 mobile phones
- Twelve cars and one motorcycle
Investigators also confiscated clay artifacts and pottery fragments, which will be examined by archaeological authorities to determine whether they fall under cultural heritage protection laws.
The seized drugs, weapons and other items will undergo laboratory testing by the relevant authorities.
Many Suspects Previously Known to Police
Police spokesperson Konstantia Dimoglidou said many of those named in the case had previous encounters with law enforcement, with some having served prison sentences in the past.
She noted that the investigation involved extensive surveillance and legally authorized monitoring measures, leading to the discovery of drugs, weapons, cash and evidence suggesting that some suspects may have received agricultural subsidies unlawfully.
