Shock has been caused by the case revealed by the Internal Affairs Service of the Hellenic Police, as at the center of a cocaine trafficking ring in Attica is allegedly a former professional footballer from a major Thessaloniki team, who, according to the case file, had taken a leading role in drug trafficking to well-known nightlife venues in Athens. During a coordinated operation carried out on the morning of June 10th, six people were arrested, including a 28-year-old police officer, while the case file includes 24 more individuals, including a Special Guard.
According to information, the organization had been operating since at least January 2026 and primarily trafficked cocaine, generating significant illegal profits. The alleged leader is a 32-year-old former professional footballer who worked at nightlife centers in Attica and, according to police, exploited his public recognition to develop clientele and conduct transactions. His relatives played a crucial role in the ring’s operation, supplying him with narcotics, while his 28-year-old partner was also actively involved, allegedly participating in the receipt, storage, and preparation of quantities for distribution.
How the investigation into the drug trafficking ring began
According to investigation data, everything started from a complaint that reached Internal Affairs in October 2025. The complaint mentioned a police officer allegedly trafficking cocaine in nightlife establishments and even threatening his clients that he would arrest them if they didn’t pay him for the drugs he had supplied. The complaint led to a months-long investigation involving surveillance, communication analysis, and the use of special investigative techniques.
The investigation revealed, according to the case file, that the former footballer served as the group’s leader. He exploited the popularity he had gained from his athletic career and his work at well-known nightlife entertainment centers to approach clients and traffic cocaine. He allegedly obtained the quantities from three related individuals, while his partner played a crucial role, participating in the receipt, storage, and preparation of drugs for resale.
Communication codes
Authorities describe a well-organized network that took strict counter-surveillance measures. The role of the arrested 28-year-old police officer is particularly interesting. According to the case file, he not only knew about the ring’s activities but facilitated them, while allegedly trafficking small quantities of cocaine himself or supplying them to his associates. His relationship with the alleged organization leader is described as close and personal.
Tickets for the… Euroleague
Additionally, both this specific officer and a relative of his, also a police official, are accused of additional crimes not directly connected to drug trafficking. These include fraud, violation of official secrecy, and bribery. According to the case file, the two officers allegedly took 900 euros from people they knew to secure them entry without tickets to the Euroleague final between Olympiacos and Real Madrid at the Amarousion arena, exploiting their official capacity. The case file also includes a Special Guard who is accused of obtaining drugs from the ring at least three times for personal use.
To avoid detection, the criminal organization members used enhanced counter-surveillance measures, such as:
• communication through internet applications, using code words for narcotics (“line-s”, “verses”, “twenty-fiver”, “magnesium”, “ready for war?”, “we’ll cast fortresses, Priams will fall”),
• movement with their own vehicles as well as rental cars or taxis to make detection difficult,
• drug trafficking inside establishments, in areas with limited access or visibility.
In searches conducted at homes and vehicles, the following were found and confiscated:
- -5.8- grams of cocaine,
• -6.1- grams of cannabis,
• -6,230- euros,
• precision electronic scale,
• drug paraphernalia,
• mobile phones and
• motorcycle.
The arrested individuals were brought before the Athens Court Prosecutor and faced felony charges for forming and joining a criminal organization, drug trafficking, and a series of other crimes, while the case is now in the hands of an investigative judge for continuation of the main investigation.
