In reduction more than 80% of the migratory flows compared to 2019, and the rescue by the port force of more than 40,000 people, mentioned, among others, the Minister of Shipping Yannis Plakiotakis, at an event to highlight the offer of the port corps of the Hellenic Coast Guard held at the Ministry of Shipping .

Mr. Plakiotakis emphasized that until today 19 circuits have been dismantled and have been arrested over 450 traffickers, while at least 5,000 operations were carried out to combat illegal activity.

“Today we honor the courage and determination of the women and men of the Coast Guard who operate every day in all Greek seas rescuing thousands of people, fighting organized crime” said the Minister of Shipping.

During the event, five students of the Macedonian Merchant Marine Academy were awarded for their courage, as they saved dozens of their fellow human beings in the tragic Tempe train accident.

“All of you, women and men of the Coast Guard, with your daily actions send out the double message of our country: Projecting power to defend national integrity and legitimacy, but at the same time projecting cooperation with anyone who neighbors and of course helping anyone who is in danger”. stressed for his part the Deputy Minister of Shipping Kostas Katsafados.

It is noted that from 2019 until today the Coast Guardin more than 1,800 cases, has seized 884 tons of processed cannabis, 1,485 tons of raw cannabis, 619 tons of cocaine, and approximately 5 tons of heroin.

As to the prosecution of smuggling, from 2019 until today, in 330 cases, 405 people have been arrested, while 46 million cigarettes and 12,385 tons of tobacco have been confiscated, corresponding to almost 13 million euros in evading duties.

During the event women and men of the Coast Guard were honored – Hellenic Coast Guard, Central Coast Guards and Coast Guards of the Eastern Aegean, as well as its officers who operate mainly in the same area, with watercraft and offshore patrol vessels.

They were also honored for their valuable contribution in the protection of maritime bordersof human life at sea, the prevention and fight against organized crime the honorary chief of the Hellenic Coast Guard, Coast Guard Admiral Theodoros Kliaris, the director of the Security and Policing Branch, Rear Admiral Tryfonas Kontizas, as well as the head of the Integrated Maritime Surveillance Service, Captain, George Christianos for his particularly important operational work.