EKAM and OPKE raid 12 houses in Zephyri – 36 arrests for drugs
The Hellenic Police dismantled an organised drug-trafficking network in Zephyri with 36 arrests, following a months-long investigation into a network of 12 residences.
Thirty-six arrests in Zephyri over drug-trafficking network operating from 12 residences
Thirty-six people were arrested in Zephyri during a wide-ranging police operation targeting an organised drug-trafficking network that operated through a network of 12 residences. Ethnos reports that the operation involved units from EKAM, OPKE and the DI.AS. group, supported by a police dog and a drone.
The case emerged following a months-long investigation by the Investigation and Crime Detection Directorate of Western Attica. According to the Hellenic Police, the network was active in the area at least since May, with members linked in several cases by family relations.
How the network operated
Prospective buyers would contact members of the organisation and then approach the specific residences, where they would obtain narcotic substances. During the police investigation, daily increased foot traffic of individuals at the houses under surveillance was observed.
Indicative of the scale of the activity is that police checked 24 people who had just left the houses in question — all 24 were arrested for possession of drugs. According to the Hellenic Police, the houses operated both as distribution points and as spaces supporting the overall criminal activity.
Counter-surveillance measures
The organisation had taken extensive measures to avoid detection. Security doors, high walls, metal-barred gates with wire mesh and surveillance cameras had been installed at the residences. Members of the network allegedly carried out perimeter surveillance of the distribution points.
Narcotic substances were hidden, according to police, in adjacent open spaces and plots of land, so as to make their discovery during searches more difficult.
Officers from the Crime Investigation and Detection Departments of Zephyri, Fyli, Aspropyrgos, Eleusis, Mandra-Idylia, Megara, Agia Anargyri and Agia Barbara participated in the operation.
What was seized
During searches of the 12 residences, 95 grammes of heroin, 20 grammes of cocaine and 46 grammes of unknown white powder substance were seized. Also found were 47 cartridges, 18 cameras, 4 recording systems, 5 electronic precision scales, an air-pistol and a knuckleduster. Additionally, handwritten notes and 5 mobile phones were seized.
The findings are being evaluated by the authorities as part of the preliminary investigation procedure, in conjunction with evidence gathered during the months-long investigation.
The charges
Case files were formed against the 36 arrested persons for founding and participating in a criminal organisation engaged in trafficking in narcotics, receiving and disposing of proceeds of crime, and violation of firearms legislation. The accused were brought before the competent prosecutor.
Source: Ethnos