Drugs via code words and stadiums: 21 convicted in Thessaloniki
The Thessaloniki Court of Appeals for Serious Crimes has convicted 21 members of two criminal gangs that distributed narcotics using code words in supporters' venues.
Convictions for two drug gangs with 'supporters' network in Thessaloniki
The Thessaloniki Court of Appeals for Serious Crimes has issued prison sentences ranging from three months to five years and three months against 21 people, members of two criminal organisations that distributed narcotics in supporters' meeting places in western Thessaloniki, as well as inside and around a football stadium. The matter is reported by Google News GR — Crime (el), citing the relevant case file.
With the same ruling, 11 defendants were acquitted — among them one who was in pre-trial detention — while all those convicted were released. Those facing charges related to money laundering from criminal activities were also acquitted.
The judges decided to downgrade the charge of criminal organisation to gang membership (misdemeanour). For felony drug trafficking, four of those involved were found guilty — with recognition of mitigating circumstances — whilst for the others the offence was reclassified as a misdemeanour, either for personal use or as dependent persons. Some were also found guilty of violations of weapons and flare legislation. Those who met the conditions received a three-year suspended sentence; in the remaining cases, suspension of appeal was granted on condition of reporting to a police station or participating in a therapeutic programme.
The case was uncovered in May of last year, following investigations by the Anti-Organised Crime Unit for Northern Greece. According to the case file, members of the two gangs communicated using code words: they referred to narcotics as "μπλούζα" (blouse), "πλαν" (plan), "έργο" (work), "κλειδιά" (keys), "φούτερ" (hoodie) and "παλαλό" (pale).
The two groups differed in their method of procurement. Members of the first gang — active at least since September 2023 — obtained narcotics through postal parcels from the USA, Canada and the Netherlands, authorising other members to collect them. Members of the second gang, active at least since October 2024, obtained supplies from local dealers and sold narcotics during sporting events at the stadium, on team trips abroad, and in areas of Thessaloniki, to individuals they knew through their supporter activities.
During the police operation, 22 people were arrested, nine of whom were remanded in custody following their statements before the Thessaloniki investigating magistrate. The searches resulted in the seizure of, amongst other items, raw cannabis exceeding 1.5 kilogrammes, electronic scales, knives, brass knuckles and the sum of €74,360. At an earlier stage, 3.3 kilogrammes of raw cannabis had also been seized in parcels awaiting delivery to post office outlets.
Source: Google News GR — Crime (el)