Police in northern Greece are searching for a 43-year-old man who fled on foot after abandoning his vehicle during a pursuit in Kozani, northern Greece.
The incident unfolded on Thursday morning, when officers from a local anti-drug unit signaled the driver to stop for a routine road check after deeming the vehicle suspicious. Instead of complying, the driver accelerated, triggering a chase that ended on the forested outskirts of the town. The suspect then exited the car and escaped into dense woodland, where he remains at large.
A subsequent search of the abandoned vehicle led to the discovery of more than 76 kilograms of cannabis, packed in three travel bags. Authorities also determined that the car had been rented abroad and was fitted with stolen license plates, which had reportedly been removed from another vehicle the previous day.
Despite his escape, police say the suspect has been fully identified. A felony case has been filed against him, including charges of drug trafficking, handling stolen property, disobedience, and violations of the Road Traffic Code.
In addition to the drugs, officers seized the vehicle, the stolen plates, and a mobile phone found inside, which investigators believe will help trace the suspect’s network of contacts.