Drug-bomb explosion in Kolonos: 45-year-old under investigation – four wounded
A bomb hidden in a bag containing narcotics exploded in an apartment building in Kolonos, injuring two police officers and two civilians. The investigation is focusing on a 45-year-old man known to authorities.
Drug-bomb in Kolonos: 45-year-old under investigation for explosion that wounded four
The Organised Crime Directorate has turned its investigation towards drug-trafficking networks following the explosion that occurred on Wednesday, 21 October 2026 in an apartment building on Plato Street in Kolonos, Athens. According to In.gr, two police officers and two civilians were injured in the explosion.
At the centre of the investigation is a 45-year-old man known to authorities for drug-related matters who resides in the specific apartment building, as journalist Vassilis Lampropoulis revealed on the MEGA news bulletin. The individual is being sought to determine whether he is involved in the case and whether the bag – which contained narcotic substances and the explosive device – was intended for him.
It remains unclear whether the recipient of the bag was also the intended target of the bomb, or whether he had "ordered" the narcotics and the device was intended for a third party.
Remote-controlled device of unknown type to Greek authorities
Experienced police officers are focusing particular attention on the explosive device itself, which was equipped with a remote control. There is consideration of the possibility that the more seriously injured police officer picked up the remote control and accidentally pressed the red button. According to reports, the bomb did not explode immediately but several seconds later.
Police have not encountered a similar remote-controlled explosive device in recent years, neither in criminal cases nor in terrorist organisations. During searches at the scene, an electrical detonator, batteries and a quantity of low-power explosive material were found. Inside the bag, packaging containing narcotic substances and precision scales were also discovered.
Lampropoulis stated that the case concerns criminals and is suspected to be linked to residents of the apartment building, ruling out the scenario of a trap outside the building.
How the case began – the Police announcement
According to the official announcement from the Police Headquarters, at 14:32 a citizen – building manager – called the Immediate Action telephone centre and reported that he had found inside the building a bag containing a jar with narcotic substances and scales. Two police officers from the Crime Investigation and Prevention Sub-directorate Athens arrived at the scene. Along with the caller and a resident, they identified the bag, which was located in a common area of the mezzanine floor.
During the inspection, at approximately 15:30, the explosion occurred. EKAB ambulances arrived at the scene in approximately five minutes and collected the injured. Subsequently, teams from the Explosive Device Disposal Unit (T.E.E.M.) and the Criminal Investigation Directorate arrived at the scene.
Surgery for the more seriously injured police officer
The police officer injured more seriously was transferred to the 401 Military Hospital. He has injuries to his face and other parts of his body and underwent surgery; according to available information, his life is not in danger. The two injured civilians were transferred to Evangelismos Hospital, where they were given first aid.
The Organised Crime Directorate took over the case, whilst the Counter-Terrorism Service was informed from the outset and its personnel rushed to the scene. The preliminary investigation is ongoing.
Source: In.gr