Arrest of 51-year-old Turkish national in Thessaloniki for cocaine trafficking – 21 tonnes seized
A Turkish national wanted by Swiss authorities for involvement in a cocaine ring has been arrested in central Thessaloniki. Since 2019, 21 tonnes of drugs linked to the case have been seized.
Turkish fugitive wanted by Switzerland arrested at Thessaloniki premises
A 51-year-old Turkish national who was being sought by Swiss authorities was arrested on Tuesday afternoon in central Thessaloniki, according to ERT. The arrest operation was carried out by the Anti-Organised Crime Directorate of Northern Greece, following an extradition request.
The man was located at a premises of health-related interest following systematic processing of intelligence by the Crimes Against Life and Personal Freedom Department, as well as by the SIRENE Department of the Directorate of International Police Cooperation.
Charges: criminal organisation, trafficking and money laundering
According to the Swiss extradition request, the arrested man is accused of participating as a member, at least since 2019, in an independent criminal organisation operating across Europe. The organisation is involved in the transportation of large quantities of cocaine through a network of commercial companies.
At the same time, he is alleged to support criminal organisations operating in Latin America, particularly in Ecuador, which are involved in trafficking significant quantities of drugs.
Role in the network structure
The Swiss authorities attribute to the 51-year-old three main activities within the organisation: the planning and operation of a network of companies to facilitate drug imports, the coordination of administrative activities through commercial companies, and the channelling of criminally-sourced money into corporate structures for the purpose of their legitimisation.
21 tonnes of cocaine seized since 2019
Information contained in the extradition request indicates that since 2019, a total of 21 tonnes of cocaine connected to the network's activities has been seized. The authorities estimate that further shipments may have taken place.
Two mobile telephones were found and seized in the possession of the defendant. The arrested man was taken to the competent prosecution authority.
Source: ERT