Gang importing heroin into Greece busted
Three Greeks and two Albanians stand accused of smuggling large quantities of pure heroin into Greece from Turkey after being arrested in Athens and Thessaloniki on October 14, the Greek Police said on Monday.
Raids on the homes of the suspects in Athens and Thessaloniki revealed a total of 13.5 kilograms of pure heroin as well as 5 kilos of another substance which narcotics officers believe was used to cut the heroin before it was sold.
Officers said that one kilogram of pure heroin can yield as much as 8 kilograms when mixed with another substance to make it less potent. The street value of 1 gram of heroin in Greece is estimated at between 30-60 euros depending on its purity.
According to the police, the gang smuggled the heroin into Greece by car, hiding it in the air bag compartment. The drugs were allegedly brought to Athens and delivered to one of the suspects, a 43-year-old Albanian man, who is said to have been responsible for distribution. A 39-year-old Greek man is believed to have tested the drugs to ensure their quality, while his 40-year-old sister is also said to have been a part of the gang. A fourth suspect, a Greek woman aged 54, was allegedly responsible for arranging the purchase of the heroin in Turkey.
Two more suspects, also Albanian nationals, are being sought.
