A criminal organization that was active in the cultivation of hydroponic cannabis, in a specially designed laboratory-nursery in the area of ​​Ag. Ioannis Rentis, the Organized Crime Sub-Directorate of the Attica Security Directorate was disbanded. As part of the operation, a 56-year-old citizen was arrested on 3-29-2023, as a leading member, and 2 foreigners, aged 52 and 44, as members of the organization, for violating the legislation on addictive substances, for stealing electricity and accepting and distributing products crime, while two other members have been identified and are being sought.

As it emerged from the investigation, the criminal organization had a hierarchical structure and its members had distinct roles. The 56-year-old and another wanted member were the ringleaders, responsible for coordinating all stages of the criminal activity and financing the venture.

The 44-year-old was in charge of transporting the items necessary for cultivation and therefore consumables to the underground installation in the area of ​​Ag. Ioannis Rentis, which he received from the 56-year-old at a point that is “at a distance” from the cultivation. In addition, he ensured the smooth operation of the facility and the meeting of any needs.

The 52-year-old had the role of gardener-keeper and was inside the facility for long periods of time to look after the cultivation, harvesting and preparation of quantities for sale. It is noted that he kept quantities of food inside, in order to limit his movements and make it difficult to locate him. The other member being sought was the legal representative of the company they were using as a “cover”, in order for there to be legitimacy and a justified lease of the property in question.

Among other things, the following were found and confiscated inside the laboratory:

-310 hydroponic hemp seedlings (5-10 cm)

-42 kg and 380 grams of cannabis (Skunk),

-6 kg and 780 grams of hemp pollen, precision electronic scale,

-2 control devices, with the ability to control voltage transformers, special equipment for the cultivation of cannabis, a stamp with the company’s name, a number of plastic containers, pots, lamps, etc.

In searches that were also carried out in the possession of the defendants and in their homes in Athens and Nice, where they were located, among other things, 4 grams of cocaine and 89 grams of cannabis, equipment to support the cultivation of the laboratory, the amount of money of 15,170 euros, 11 gold British pounds, 8 mobile phones, keys to the facility as well as a car and a motorcycle, with which they carried out their transport. The arrested were taken to the Criminal Prosecutor of Piraeus.