Greek authorities have struck a significant blow to an international drug trafficking network after intercepting a ship carrying a large shipment of cocaine from Latin America to Europe. The vessel, owned by a Greek national with a long criminal history in international drug smuggling, was seized in the Atlantic Ocean.
The suspect, previously dubbed the “Greek Escobar,” was among five people arrested in Greece during coordinated raids in Katerini, Thebes, and Athens. The arrests also included members of the ship’s crew, who are currently in custody pending further investigation.
The vessel had departed from Nea Michaniona in northern Greece, traveled to Latin America to load the drugs, and then headed toward European ports. It is now being towed under the supervision of the French Navy, which assisted in the operation over the past two days. The ship is expected to dock soon, allowing officials to inventory the seized cocaine and coordinate the transfer of the arrested crew members to Greece.
The Greek Drug Enforcement Unit conducted the operation in collaboration with U.S. authorities. Official statements detailing the investigation are expected in the coming days.
The alleged mastermind has a lengthy criminal record. He was first arrested in 2004 for organizing the transport of 5.5 tons of cocaine via a fishing vessel. Initially sentenced to life imprisonment, his sentence was reduced to 22 years in 2011 after recognition of his “previous good conduct,” a decision that sparked controversy among security and judicial officials. He was released but subsequently re-arrested in 2015 and imprisoned again.
