Greek port workers jailed pending trial on drug smuggling charges

26/7/2025 7:26

Six workers at Greece's largest port Piraeus, arrested for allegedly participating in a gang smuggling cocaine hidden in shipping containers from Latin America, were jailed pending trial on Friday, legal sources said.



The case is the third investigation since 2023 that has led to the arrest of port workers on drug trafficking charges.



The suspects, employed by a private company handling cargo operations at Piraeus port were arrested on Monday. On Friday they responded to charges including participation in an international criminal organisation at least since 2024, according to police officials. They have denied wrongdoing.



The drugs were concealed in refrigerated containers loaded with bananas which were shipped from Ecuador, the police said.



Greek police said the investigation, which revealed the gang's tactics and included surveillance of their communications, was launched after a tip-off by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.