A 35-gram package of suspected cocaine seized in Piraeus has led to a wider investigation in Rhodes, where Greek authorities arrested a second suspect and seized a total of €953,408.38 in cash, along with POS terminals, bank cards, mobile phones and data-storage devices.
The investigation began on the morning of 27 August 2026, when officers from the Piraeus Central Port Authority’s Regional Drug Enforcement Group and Security Office, assisted by the drug detection dog “BRAT K9N044”, searched passengers and luggage as a vessel arrived from Rhodes.
Officers found a 62-year-old Greek national entering the area for unaccompanied luggage and collecting a suitcase. During the search, they found a nylon package containing 35 grams of suspected cocaine. Officers also found 0.9 grams of suspected cannabis inside a tobacco pouch and seized a mobile phone.
Search of suspect’s home
Authorities then searched the 62-year-old’s home in the presence of a judicial officer.
They found two packages containing raw cannabis weighing 2.9 grams and 11.4 grams, a metal spoon with cocaine residue, a glass device used to vaporise narcotic substances and another mobile phone.
Authorities also established that an administrative travel ban remained in force against the suspect.
Investigation leads to Rhodes
Investigators then followed the evidence to Rhodes, where they sought a 45-year-old Albanian national whom the Coast Guard identified as the alleged sender of the suspected cocaine.
A joint team from the Directorate of Drug Enforcement and Smuggling, the Regional Drug Enforcement Group and the Security Office of the Rhodes Central Port Authority took part in the operation, with assistance from the “SEIRENA” K9 unit of the Kos Port Authority.
According to the investigation, the 45-year-old had an employment relationship with a single-member private company operating in the real estate sector.
Authorities went to the company’s branch, where they identified material they considered suspicious. They subsequently carried out a search in the presence of a prosecutor.
Nearly €950,000 found in cash
The search uncovered a substantial amount of cash.
Authorities seized €949,658.38, which, according to the Coast Guard, the suspects could not support with documentation explaining its possession and storage.
Investigators also seized:
- A large number of POS terminals
- Bank cards from various financial institutions
- Mobile phones
- Data-storage devices
- Handwritten notes
According to the official announcement, the investigation uncovered serious indications of possible criminal offencesinvolving drug trafficking, money laundering and participation in a criminal organisation.
Investigators assessed the findings alongside the 45-year-old’s alleged connection to the shipment of suspected cocaine, the substantial amount of undocumented cash and other evidence recovered from the company premises.
Total cash seizures exceed €953,000
Authorities located and arrested the 45-year-old, finding a further €3,750 in cash in his possession.
The total cash seized during the operation therefore reached €953,408.38.
Authorities deposited the seized money with the Deposits and Loans Fund.
The two suspects appeared before the competent prosecutorial authorities. The Rhodes Central Port Authoritycontinues its preliminary investigation into alleged violations of Greece’s drug laws, legislation governing the laundering of proceeds from criminal activity and Article 187 of the Criminal Code concerning criminal organisations.
