A routine check at the port of Piraeus has led to the discovery of a suspected drug trafficking and money laundering ring, allegedly operating through a real estate company on the Greek island of Rhodes. The operation began on the morning of August 27, when officers from the anti-drug and security units of the Central Port Authority of Piraeus detained a 62-year-old Greek man who had just arrived on a passenger and cargo ship from Rhodes. With the help of a drug-sniffing dog, police kept the 62-year-old under surveillance, who went to the unaccompanied baggage area to retrieve a suitcase. During the search, 35 grams of cocaine and 0.9 grams of cannabis were found inside, leading to his arrest.
Investigators immediately began to trace the source of the narcotics and identified as a suspect for its delivery a 45-year-old Albanian, who worked in a real estate company in Rhodes. Following the discovery, the Greek authorities carried out a large-scale operation on the island, involving officers from the anti-drug and smuggling units, as well as the security structures of the Rhodes Port Authority. The search was carried out in the presence of a prosecutor and with the assistance of the specialized dog K9 “SIRINA”. During the search of the premises of the real estate company, the authorities seized 949,658.38 euros in cash, for which no documents were found justifying the legal possession or storage of the amount.
In addition to the money, a large number of POS devices, cards from various financial institutions, mobile phones, SIM cards, digital data storage devices, as well as handwritten notes containing names and amounts of money were found in the company's premises. During the operation, the 45-year-old Albanian was located and arrested. In his possession, 3,750 euros were also found and seized. According to the authorities, the total amount of the seized money was deposited in the Deposit and Credit Fund. The two arrested persons have been brought before the competent justice bodies. Meanwhile, the preliminary investigation continues by the Central Port Authority of Rhodes for criminal offenses related to drug trafficking, money laundering and the creation of a criminal organization.
