A multi-member drug trafficking network was dismantled after a months-long investigation by the Security Directorate of Ioannina.

They are included in the file that was created a total of 84 people (80 nationals, 2 nationals and 2 foreigners), who are accused – as the case may be – of the offenses of “criminal organization”, “money laundering” and violations of drug legislation.

Furthermore, during the course of the investigation, it was established that one of the defendants had committed a robbery in Ioannina in the early morning hours of 10-16-2024, when, having covered his facial features, he forced a business employee at gunpoint to hand over to him the receipts of the fund.

In more detail, the activity of the criminal network dates back at least to October 2023, while its members systematically procured, stored and trafficked narcotic substances – mainly cocaine and raw cannabis – to various users in the wider area of ​​Ioannina but also in other areas of the country . For the conversations between them, they basically used telephone connections, which were registered to third – even non-existent – ​​persons (ghost phones), while communicating through online applications.

At least they emerged from the investigation of the case -355- cases of drug traffickingthe financial benefit of which is estimated to exceed 220,000 euros.

It is noted that three of the defendants were arrested on different occasions by the Narcotics Prosecution Department of the Ioannina Security Directorate, for drug trafficking, namely:

  • on 10-30-2023, where they were confiscated 72.4 grams of cocaine
  • on 11-03-2024, where they were seized 10.5 kg raw hemp and
  • on 05-29-2024, where -35- “clips” with 42.37 grams of cocaine were seized
  • In order to deconstruct the network, yesterday morning (22-10-2024) a broad police operation of the Ioannina Security Sub-Directorate was carried out, in the context of which -7- citizens were arrested, including the accused for the robbery.

During the searches that followed in the homes of those arrested, the following were found – among others – and confiscated:

  • -13- mobile phones, small amount of raw cannabis,
  • -10- empty packages (“clips”) with drug residues, precision electronic scales and
  • -2- hemp graters

Those arrested will be taken to the Prosecutor’s Office of Primary Ioannina.