Greek and American security officials met this past month at the Ministry of Citizen Protection to strengthen joint efforts against drug trafficking, according to a report by Kathimerini.
The meeting, hosted by Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis, brought together Greek-American officials John Gountanis and Nicholas Kikis of the US Department of Homeland Security, along with Greek Police Chief Dimitris Mallios and Fotis Douitsis, head of Greece's financial crimes unit.
According to Kathimerini, one outcome of the talks is the expected return of a US Customs and Border Protection team to Athens International Airport. A similar three-member team had been withdrawn under the Biden administration, and the Trump administration pushed for its reinstatement.
The US side emphasized that breaking up drug trafficking networks, especially those tied to Colombian cocaine cartels, remains a top priority, and pressed Greek authorities to take a tougher stance on narcotics enforcement. American officials also cautioned that fentanyl, which has caused widespread harm in the United States, could soon become a growing problem in European markets as well, Kathimerini reports.
The discussion additionally touched on a planned visit to Greece by President Donald Trump and on security issues concerning the port of Piraeus. Officials reaffirmed the importance of the Visa Waiver Program, which allows visa-free travel for Greek citizens to the US, as a central element of the bilateral relationship.