Greek customs seize drugs, weapons and exotic birds in first half of 2026 operations

Greek customs authorities uncovered a wide range of illegal activities, including drug trafficking, smuggling, counterfeit goods and the illegal transport of animals and cultural heritage items, during inspections carried out across the country in the first six months of 2026.

The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) announced that customs officers conducted targeted operations at airports, ports and border checkpoints with the support of advanced X-ray systems and specially trained detection dogs.

Between January and June 2026, authorities seized more than €2 million in undeclared cash, along with foreign currencies, gold coins and gold bars. They also confiscated more than 4.1 million cigarettes, tobacco products, illegal alcohol, counterfeit goods, narcotics and illegal weapons.

Among the seized items were 129 kilograms of KHAT, 25 kilograms of cannabis and 574 grams of THC, as well as 528 illegal weapons.

Customs officers also uncovered unusual smuggling cases, including the illegal transport of exotic birds. At the Kipi Customs Office, authorities seized two red macaws along with medicines, pesticides, counterfeit goods, gold jewelry and other illegally transported items.

At the Turkish border crossings, including Kipi, Kastanies and Evzones, customs officers reported multiple seizures involving tobacco products, pharmaceuticals, counterfeit clothing and other goods. At the Kipi Customs Office alone, authorities seized thousands of counterfeit clothing items, accessories, perfumes, industrial equipment and nearly two kilograms of gold jewelry.

At the Mytilene Customs Office, officers intercepted a piece of fossilized tree trunk originating from the protected Petrified Forest of Lesvos, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage natural monument area within the Natura 2000 network. The fossil, valued at more than €7,000, was seized and will be transferred to the Natural History Museum of the Petrified Forest of Lesvos.

Drug-related seizures included large quantities of KHAT detected at Athens International Airport with the assistance of detection dogs, as well as cannabis shipments intercepted in parcels and vehicles. Authorities also seized weapons including air guns, knives and other prohibited items at several border points.

AADE said the results demonstrate the operational readiness of customs services and the continued use of technological and investigative tools to combat smuggling and illegal trade.