The Greek Police in Zakynthos dealt a significant blow to a criminal organization involved in drug trafficking and the illegal trafficking of weapons.

The operation was carried out by the Narcotics Division of the Organized Crime Directorate. As part of the investigation, charges were filed against three Greek nationals—two 41-year-olds and one 19-year-old—who are alleged to be members of the criminal organization. According to the police investigation, one of the 41-year-olds played a leading role, coordinating the group’s activities, with the second 41-year-old and the 19-year-old serving as his direct associates.

The dismantling of the organization was carried out following the evaluation of intelligence, months of surveillance, cross-checking of data, and specialized analysis of those involved. To this end, a police operation was organized at a complex of rental rooms, with the assistance of special operational teams from the Organized Crime Division and the Zakynthos Crime Investigation and Prosecution Department.

During the search, police officers discovered specially constructed hiding places behind false walls in bedroom closets. The hiding places were opened via an electric mechanism using a code, and a large number of weapons and ammunition were found inside.

A total of nine functional pistols, 22 magazines, 2,372 rounds of ammunition of various calibers, a pistol-to-rifle conversion kit, handcuffs, brass knuckles, four folding knives, three knives with carrying cases, an axe, as well as the mechanism for activating the secret compartment.

At the same time, 13 British gold pounds, electronic equipment, precision scales, a radio, security recorders, data storage devices, numerous documents, and handwritten notes, all of which are being examined by the authorities.

During the operation, a 66-year-old man was also arrested; in his possession were found a hunting rifle, a bulletproof vest, cartridges, and a folding baton, as well as a 40-year-old man for possession of a small amount of cocaine.

As noted by the Hellenic Police, the arrested individuals and members of the criminal organization have been of concern to the authorities in the past for similar and other offenses, while two of them had been subject to restrictive conditions.

The suspects were brought before the competent prosecuting authority, while the preliminary investigation continues to fully investigate the scope of the criminal activity and identify any additional individuals involved.