Drug trafficking ring dismantled after cocaine found in artificial flower stems

Greek authorities, in collaboration with the U.S. DEA, dismantled a drug trafficking ring on September 9, 2026, that was importing cocaine from Colombia hidden within artificial flower stems. The illicit cargo, consisting of 80 crates of roses, arrived at Athens International Airport and was destined for a flower shop in Artemida, Attica.

During the investigation, agents from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), assisted by a drug-sniffing dog, discovered that 15 of the 80 crates contained roses with artificial stems packed with cocaine. The total quantity seized was confirmed at 84 kilograms. Four suspects were apprehended at the flower shop, while two additional individuals, including a foreign national previously accused of homicide, were arrested at a location in Marathon, which served as a processing and packaging site.

The operation was supported by special police units, including EKAM. In addition to the narcotics, authorities reportedly found a weapon at the Marathon site. Investigations are ongoing as authorities process the evidence and interrogate the six detained suspects, the majority of whom are of Albanian descent, to determine the full scope of the smuggling network.