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Cocaine trafficking network dismantled in Athens, 11 Albanians involved

Politiko 2026-06-17 10:11:29

Cocaine trafficking network dismantled in Athens, 11 Albanians involved

A criminal organization involved in cocaine trafficking in various areas of Athens has been cracked down and dismantled by the Athens Criminal Investigation and Prosecution Sub-Directorate. 

During a large-scale police operation, conducted in apartments and storage facilities that served as the group's operational bases, police officers, with the support of the OPKE and EKAM special units, arrested 9 people aged 24 to 43, while 4 others were declared wanted. 

In total, the organization consisted of 14 people, 11 Albanians and 3 Greek citizens.

Among the arrested Albanians are Ervin Ademi (also known as Leo), 39 years old, Elton Plepi (Toni), 42 years old, Ervis Tringa (Niko), 38 years old, Albert Pali (Berti), 42 years old, Bruno Anastasaj (Thodhori), Kondelina Dhimertika, 43 years old, Xhulio Kërçani, 29 years old and Malena Alushaj, 24 years old. Meanwhile, Helis Cato, 38 years old, Taulant Prifti, 47 years old and Erald Gjata, 46 years old have been declared wanted.

According to Greek authorities, the suspects face charges related to the creation and participation in a criminal organization, drug trafficking, money laundering, illegal possession of weapons, violation of legislation on foreigners, and forgery of documents.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the group had been operating since at least December 2025, operating with a hierarchically organized structure, led by a leader and three deputies. To avoid detection by authorities, members used encrypted communication applications, specific terminology, and constantly changed phone numbers.

According to the investigative file, the leader of the organization, 39-year-old Ervin Ademi, had complete control over the criminal activity, coordinating the group's activities, defining strategies and giving orders to members. His three deputies took care of distributing the cocaine to other members, who then sold it to clients in the local market.

During searches at the group's operational bases, police seized 827 grams of cocaine, a small amount of marijuana, three pistols, a combat weapon magazine, 119 cartridges, mobile phones, five vehicles used for drug trafficking, 14,505 euros and 470 US dollars, three radios, seven precision electronic scales, a baton, pepper spray and three knives.

 

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