Greek authorities have confiscated cocaine valued at more than 1 million euros ($1.10 million) hidden in a sea container for bananas, the coast guard reported on Monday.
The drugs were seized from a vessel docked at Piraeus port with the assistance of the Homeland Security Investigations unit of the U.S. embassy in Athens.
Approximately 35 kilograms (77 pounds) of cocaine, packed into 30 packages, were discovered concealed within the cooling system of the container, which was part of a shipment originating from Ecuador.
The seizure highlights the ongoing challenge posed by international drug trafficking networks, which have increasingly targeted Europe as a major market. South American cocaine production has surged over the past decade, with Balkan traffickers playing a significant role in the distribution network across Europe.
This incident is part of a broader effort by Greek authorities to dismantle international drug trafficking rings. In May, Greek officials announced the disruption of a criminal organisation involved in smuggling cocaine in shipping containers from Latin America to Europe. Shortly thereafter, they confiscated over 109 kilograms (240 pounds) of cocaine hidden in a container carrying frozen squid, also inspected at Piraeus port.
With Europe now considered the world’s largest market for cocaine, authorities are intensifying their efforts to intercept drug shipments and dismantle trafficking networks.
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