Greek police have dismantled a drug trafficking ring accused of selling cocaine and marijuana inside schools, arresting 12 people—including six minors—in a coordinated operation across the Athens metropolitan area.
According to police, the group operated as a structured criminal organization with clearly defined roles and a strict hierarchy. Investigators say the network recruited students to distribute drugs even during school hours, with the alleged leader reportedly pulling minors out of classrooms to carry out deliveries.
The arrests were carried out on the morning of December 18 by the Drug Rapid Response Unit of the Athens Security Directorate, with support from specialized police forces. Suspects range in age from 15 to 56. Authorities also identified seven additional alleged members who are still being sought.
Police described the group’s methods as particularly disturbing. The leader and his deputy allegedly imposed harsh discipline, punishing members who failed to follow orders with financial penalties, physical violence, and, in some cases, torture. Investigators reported at least one incident in which a member was burned with a lit cigarette, leaving visible injuries.
The network is accused of completing more than 260 drug transactions since October, mainly in residential neighborhoods of Athens. Many of the deals reportedly took place inside school complexes or in areas immediately surrounding them. In one case, two minors allegedly transported drugs during a school trip to the island of Crete.
Authorities said the deputy leader used his home as a central storage site for narcotics, while distribution points included parks and even a soccer stadium during matches. The group also allegedly explored ways to launder drug proceeds through betting activities and bank deposits.
During searches of homes and other locations linked to the suspects, police seized cocaine and marijuana, nearly €5,000 in cash, multiple mobile phones used for coordination, digital scales, and weapons-related items, including a replica handgun and a metal knuckle-duster.
In addition to the 12 arrests, police also detained five parents or guardians of the underage suspects on charges related to neglect of supervision.
Greek authorities said the investigation highlights growing concerns over drug trafficking targeting minors and school environments, stressing that further arrests may follow as the case develops.
