Authorities in Athens have dismantled an organized cocaine trafficking ring operating primarily in the southern suburbs of the city. A large-scale police operation on July 3 led to the arrest of six individuals, both Greek nationals and foreigners, suspected of active roles in the network.

What made this criminal operation stand out was its highly inventive smuggling technique. The traffickers imported cowhides from Latin American countries that had been soaked in liquid cocaine. This unusual method masked the drugs within seemingly legitimate commercial shipments, allowing them to pass customs controls undetected.

Once inside Greece, the cowhides were taken to a specialized laboratory where the liquid cocaine was chemically processed back into solid form. The operation required advanced chemical knowledge and specialized equipment, suggesting the involvement of experts skilled in drug manufacturing.

Police seized machinery, chemicals, and raw materials used in the conversion process during the raid. This marks the first known case in Greece where cocaine trafficking employed such a sophisticated and covert method.

Authorities believe the ring aimed not only to supply the local market but also to distribute cocaine to other European countries, highlighting the transnational scope of the criminal enterprise.