A large-scale operation by Greece’s Internal Affairs Service has dismantled a criminal organization trafficking drugs on the island of Rhodes, while simultaneously exposing a separate case of police corruption.
The operation, conducted on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, led to the arrest of five members, with a total of 25 individuals included in the investigation. The separate police probe revealed two officers and one civilian allegedly involved in extortion and fraud totaling over €120,000.
Structure and Operations of the Drug Ring
The organization operated with a strict hierarchical structure, using Rhodes as its operational hub. Drugs were supplied from Attica via ferry and distributed locally.
A 40-year-old foreign national led the operation, coordinating supply, transport from Piraeus, storage, and local distribution. Members included an active-duty military officer and several individuals with clean criminal records who acted as fronts to avoid detection.
The group employed sophisticated security measures and coded language in communications. Drug types were referred to using terms like “flowers,” “khaki boots,” “piglets,” “foam,” and “apple color,” while quantities were described as “bread,” “liter,” or “sapo” (an anagram of “how much”).
The criminal network is estimated to have generated over €700,000 in illegal profits, distributing at least seven kilograms of cocaine since April 2025.
Seized Evidence
Authorities confiscated:
- €327,395 in cash
- More than 1.6 kilograms of raw cannabis
- Cocaine and four precision scales
- Notebooks with handwritten records and mobile phones
Police Corruption Case
Although initial reports suggested police involvement in drug trafficking, Internal Affairs found no evidence linking officers to the network. However, the investigation revealed illegal activities by two Rhodes-based officers in separate extortion schemes.
A case has been filed against the officers and one civilian for extortion, money laundering, and related offenses exceeding €120,000. The arrested individuals have been brought before the Public Prosecutor, and investigations continue to fully assess the scope of their activities.
