The Organized Crime Division has dismantled a sophisticated drug trafficking network operating on the island of Mykonos, where dealers allegedly sought out customers among the island’s thousands of tourists. At the center of the investigation is a 35-year-old man who, according to the Greek Police (ELAS), played a central role in the operation — overseeing everything from sourcing and transporting the drugs to Mykonos, to storing, packaging, and distributing them to other members of the network. The operation was carried out on Friday morning (August 21) and led to the arrest of nine alleged members, while a 22-year-old was also detained separately for drug possession.
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Mykonos drug trafficking ring — how they “fished” for customers
Particularly noteworthy is the method the network reportedly used to recruit buyers, according to the police investigation. A 34-year-old member worked as a passenger transport driver and allegedly exploited his daily contact with tourists and visitors to Mykonos to identify potential drug buyers.
Greek Police attribute a similar role to five other members, aged 24, 28, 29, 32, and 34, all of whom worked as drivers or escorts in passenger transport services. Depending on the case, they are also alleged to have carried out drug deliveries and safeguarded portions of the proceeds.
The “headquarters” and the transfer of money to Athens
According to ELAS, the 35-year-old alleged ringleader was responsible for sourcing the drug quantities, transporting them to the island, and storing them in a house used as a stash location.
A second 35-year-old appears as his close associate, with responsibilities that included guarding the drugs, seeking out customers, supplying other members of the network, and managing the proceeds.
A 54-year-old woman is also implicated in the ring. According to the police investigation, she was responsible for holding the money from drug sales and transporting the profits from Mykonos to Athens.
Cocaine, “pink cocaine,” and 113 ecstasy pills
Searches were carried out at properties in Mykonos and Attica, as well as in vehicles and on the suspects themselves. In total, authorities seized 359.5 grams of cocaine, 155.2 grams of “pink cocaine,” 58.3 grams of MDMA, 277.8 grams of raw cannabis, and 113 ecstasy tablets. Also found were four cannabis vaporizers, two precision digital scales, and a large number of packaging materials. The seizure also included a pistol with a magazine, seven cars, one motorcycle, and 12 mobile phones.
Over €80,000 in cash
The amounts of cash discovered were also significant. Officers seized €80,950, $9,477, £640, and two gold sovereigns, along with a metal safe. Greek Police estimate that the total anticipated illegal financial gain — factoring in the value of the drugs seized and the cash found — exceeded €170,000.
Four of those arrested have, according to police, previously come to the attention of authorities for similar or other offences. All those arrested were brought before the competent public prosecutor.
