Greek authorities uncovered a massive cocaine shipment valued at over €5.5 million at the port of Thessaloniki, marking a significant success in the fight against organized crime. The illegal drugs, weighing approximately 271 kilograms, were concealed within a specially modified compartment inside a shipping container.

The seizure came after intelligence was shared by the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) with Greece’s Organized Crime Division. The container, originating from a Latin American country, was initially identified on August 6 but was allowed to continue its journey under police supervision to the industrial area of Aspropyrgos for a controlled delivery.

On August 9, law enforcement executed a coordinated operation that resulted in the arrest of three members of the criminal organization behind the smuggling. Investigations revealed that the group operated internationally, with distinct roles and an extensive network spanning Greece and Latin America.

Nikos Rigas, Vice President of the Athens Police Officers, emphasized the clarity of roles within such criminal groups and praised the Northern Greece Organized Crime Unit for their successful operation. Speaking on the television program on MEGA, Rigas noted the advanced technical capabilities now available to Greek police, which were instrumental in this case.