Greek authorities have seized nearly €1.5 million worth of cannabis after discovering an abandoned speedboat carrying a large quantity of drugs off the coast of Glyfada, a seaside suburb located south of Athens.
The operation, which took place early Wednesday morning, was carried out by the Hellenic Coast Guard, acting on intelligence received as part of an ongoing effort to combat drug trafficking along Greece’s coastline. The unoccupied vessel was located in the waters near Glyfada’s Second Beach, an area frequented by locals and tourists alike.
According to a statement released by the Coast Guard, officers approached the suspicious vessel and conducted a thorough search. Onboard, they discovered ten black duffel bags, each containing multiple improvised packages of unprocessed cannabis. The total weight of the seized material was approximately 194 kilograms.
The estimated street value of the drugs is around €1.5 million, making this one of the more significant maritime drug seizures in the region in recent months. Authorities believe the speedboat may have been used to transport the cannabis from another location before being deliberately abandoned to avoid detection.
Both the illegal cargo and the speedboat have been confiscated as part of the ongoing investigation. The vessel will undergo further forensic examination in an effort to uncover any clues about its origin, ownership, or recent movements.
At this stage, no arrests have been made. However, authorities have launched a full-scale investigation to determine the individuals or organized networks behind the smuggling attempt. Surveillance footage, maritime tracking data, and local witness reports are being reviewed to assist in identifying those responsible.
The Coast Guard emphasized that this operation underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing in countering narcotics trafficking. They also noted that Greece’s strategic geographic location makes it a key transit point for drug smuggling routes between North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
In a brief statement, a spokesperson for the Coast Guard said, “This seizure highlights our ongoing commitment to disrupting drug trafficking operations and safeguarding our communities. We remain vigilant and will continue to work closely with national and international partners to combat organized crime.”
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the abandoned boat or suspicious activity in the area to come forward and assist with the inquiry.
