Large-scale police operations were conducted on Monday in Trikala, Thessaloniki, Kozani, Katerini and Kastoria with over 60 officers. The operation arrested 25 persons, out of which 23 were suspected of being members of the drug ring.
The imported drugs were distributed throughout Greece, including through prisons and jails, the Greek daily Kathimerini reported Wednesday. Police suspect the ring had circulated at least 18 kilos of uncut heroin with a value of over €2 million.
Police have identified three of the ring’s suspected five leaders: a 51-year-old Greek who was arrested on Monday, a 38-year-old Bulgarian who is currently in prison, and a 38-year-old Bulgarian who is still at large.
The Balkan’s southern route through Bulgaria, Albania, and Greece has long been a popular heroin route for drugs which often come from Afghanistan through Istanbul. Greece’s ongoing economic crisis has aided in the increase in organized crime.
