20 arrested in major drug crackdown across Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, cannabis seized in İskeçe detention center

Authorities in northern Greece have carried out a sweeping anti-drug operation, resulting in 20 arrests across the region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, as part of intensified efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and possession.

Coordinated Police Operations Across Multiple Regions
The arrests were made between April 4 and April 13, 2026, by police units operating under the regional directorates of Kumçiftliği, Dedeağaç, Rhodope, İskeçe, and Drama.

According to official reports, 17 Greek nationals and 3 foreign nationals were detained, with 14 separate criminal cases filed for violations of drug and weapons laws.

Cocaine and Weapons Discovered in Alexandroupoli Raids
In one of the most significant operations on April 7, officers from the Narcotics Division in Dedeağaç arrested three suspects following intelligence-led investigations into drug trafficking.

Searches conducted at two residences—with the assistance of a trained police dog named Laika—led to the seizure of:

• 9 grams of cocaine
• 4.8 grams of raw cannabis
• 1 cannabis cigarette
• An air pistol with ammunition
• Precision scale and grinder
• €255 in cash

Authorities believe the items indicate involvement in small-scale drug distribution.

Additional Cocaine Seizure in Drama
In a separate case on April 10, police in Drama arrested two individuals found in possession of:

• 16.62 grams of cocaine
• €300 in cash
• Two mobile phones, believed to be linked to drug transactions
• Cannabis Smuggled Into İskeçe Detention Facility

On April 11, officers at the Pre-Removal Detention Center (PROKEKA) in İskeçe intercepted a parcel addressed to a detainee. Inside, they discovered:

42 grams of raw cannabis concealed in two packages
A foreign national was arrested in connection with the attempted smuggling.

Multiple Smaller Cases Reveal Widespread Drug Activity
In 11 additional cases, police carried out targeted inspections across the region, leading to further arrests and seizures. Substances confiscated include:

• Heroin
• Methamphetamine
• Synthetic and raw cannabis
• “Bonsai” (synthetic cannabinoids)

Other seized items included cannabis cigarettes, grinders, narcotic pills, and even a brass knuckle weapon, underscoring the overlap between drug and weapon-related offenses.

Ongoing Efforts Against Drug Trafficking
Greek authorities emphasized that these coordinated actions are part of a broader strategy to curb the spread and distribution of illegal substances, particularly in border regions considered vulnerable to trafficking networks.

Investigations remain ongoing, with officials signaling continued enforcement operations in the coming weeks.