Μake us preferred on Google A major drug trafficking operation has been uncovered following an investigation by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), with authorities seizing a large quantity of cocaine smuggled into Greece in an unusual way — hidden inside roses.
According to investigators, the ring imported cocaine from Colombia concealed inside the stems of roses. The shipment originated in Bogotá and was sent to a flower shop in Artemida, in the eastern Attica region.
The shipment consisted of 80 boxes of flowers. During an inspection assisted by a specially trained drug-detection dog, authorities identified 15 boxes containing roses with modified, artificial stems. Most of the cocaine was hidden inside those stems.
Four arrests at flower shop
At the flower shop, inspectors arrested four people who, according to authorities, were preparing to receive the drugs and transport them to a specially equipped location in Marathon.
Authorities said the cocaine was to undergo further processing and packaging at the location.
Police from the Greek Special Forces Unit and the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime subsequently searched a home in Marathon.
Two more people were arrested there, including a foreign national who, according to authorities, had previously come to the attention of law enforcement and is also accused in a homicide case. His son was also arrested.
Cocaine and weapon found in Marathon
During the search of the home, authorities found approximately two additional kilograms of cocaine, along with equipment used to process the drug.
A weapon was also discovered hidden in the yard.
The total amount of cocaine seized in the operation reached 84 kilograms.
Authorities also confiscated a luxury vehicle and are continuing their investigation to locate two additional suspects — a man and a woman who is listed as the person responsible for the flower shop.
A criminal case file has been opened and is expected to be forwarded to the competent prosecutor.
