Juvenile gangs sold drugs to students in schools and playgrounds in Athens' northern suburbs

During a coordinated operation by the Drug Intervention Department of the Attica Crime Investigation and Prosecution Directorate, which took place on June 9, nine members of the organizations aged 14, 15, 16, 17 and 19 were arrested, while 2 more members were identified and are being sought. At the same time, two parents were arrested for neglecting the supervision of minors, while two more members have been identified and are being sought.

According to the investigation by the police authorities, the two organizations had developed a structured and continuous criminal activity since last April, with the sole purpose of trafficking drugs and obtaining illegal financial benefits. The sales were carried out mainly to underage students, in playgrounds, squares, bus stops but even within school complexes.

1st criminal organization

The first organization was active in the areas of Ekali, Drosia, Dionysos and Nea Erythraia, having a hierarchical structure with a leader, two deputy leaders and operational members. The leader was allegedly a 21-year-old, who had full control over the supply, trafficking and finances of the organization.

The police found that its members were using a luxury vehicle worth over 150,000 euros to transport and distribute cannabis, cocaine and pharmaceutical tablets. In fact, the authorities uncovered attempts to recruit even 1st grade students, aged just 13, while the sale of cocaine to a 14-year-old girl was also recorded. Of particular concern is the fact that two members of this organization allegedly trafficked approximately 100 grams of raw cannabis to minors in just four days.

During the police operation, the 21-year-old leader of the organization escaped, after previously ramming a service vehicle and dragging a police officer, causing him a serious injury to his leg. An additional case was filed against him for attempted homicide and he is wanted.

2nd criminal organization:

The second criminal organization operated mainly in the Thrakomakedony area and consisted of a 19-year-old leader and two minor accomplices aged 14 and 15. An abandoned house in the area was used as a place to store and hide drugs, while according to the police, its members used threats and physical violence in cases of non-payment of debts by buyers.

A common feature of both organizations was the increased counter-surveillance measures. Their members used encrypted communication applications, coded terminology and carried out continuous checks to identify possible police surveillance.

During the investigations that followed, the police seized more than 50 grams of raw cannabis, a small amount of cocaine, the luxury vehicle used in the trafficking, 3,980 euros, two precision electronic scales, numerous mobile phones, three replica pistols, a gas pistol, pepper spray, two naval flares, daggers, iron fists, a folding truncheon, a wooden bat and drug packaging materials.

The arrested were taken to the competent Prosecutor, while investigations for the complete mapping of the activities of the two organizations continue.