New revelations come to light about the activities of a drug trafficking ring in Attica, in which adults were involved. Police authorities have recorded dozens of conversations with threats, extortion and sales orders even inside schools, while the organization operated with a strict hierarchy, discipline, and the use of brute force.

The case was uncovered after an operation by the Hellenic Police Service (EL.AS) last Thursday, December 18, which resulted in the arrest of 12 members of the criminal organization, six of whom were minors. At the same time, seven more people have been identified and are being sought.

Irregularity, aliases, and “meeting point.”

According to the case file, the leader of the ring was allegedly a 20-year-old foreigner known by the pseudonym “Fratello”, while the deputy leader was a 19-year-old Greek known as “Zumbo”. Other members of the organisation were also involved in the organisation under pseudonyms such as “Kontos”, “Pipis” and “Nietse”.

A park in the area of Patision was chosen as the main meeting and coordination point for the members, which they codenamed “Kitsou”. From there, instructions were given and roles were distributed.

Sales via Instagram and Signal – Prices “by the gram.”

The members’ communications were mainly via Instagram and Signal, and the purchases were mainly of cannabis and cocaine. According to the investigation, a gram of cannabis was sold for 10 euros and a gram of cocaine for 50 euros.

The case started after a complaint was made to the security and was followed by follow-ups, telephone and physical surveillance. From the combined evaluation of the evidence, authorities have identified at least 263 drug purchases.

“You jump the bars and bring the money” – The dialogues with minors

Particularly striking are the conversations between senior members and underage traffickers, in which threats and intimidation are recorded.

In one of the dialogues, a lead member is talking to a minor in school:
“Six of the month has two hundred euros to bring. Without much. You jump the bars, you go, you take a penny and bring it to the square. If you’re not there in five minutes, you’re going to get a big beating.”

In another conversation, a member of the organisation threatens a minor trafficker, demanding immediate compliance with orders, while a third dialogue records haggling over quantities of cocaine, with the leader even setting “special prices”.

Violence, humiliation, and “making an example” on social media

The organisation’s activities were not limited to trafficking. According to the case file, the leading members enforced strict discipline rules, with punishments including fines, beatings, and torture.

In videos posted on social media, members of the ring allegedly humiliated and abused underage accomplices. In one of the cases, a minor is forced to kneel, punched, and beaten under threat of violence.

Another typical incident is the torture of a member of the organization, whose hand a lit cigarette was extinguished, causing a burn.

Trafficking in schools and school trips, and “laundering” through betting

The investigation revealed that the ring was trafficking drugs in schools in Nea Philadelphia, Nea Chalkidona and Ano Patissia, as well as in areas around school complexes. In a particularly serious case, two underage members transported drugs during a school trip in the area of Chania.

In recorded conversations, members of the organization discuss ways of “laundering” money through betting companies, to make the illegal proceeds appear as gambling winnings so that they appear “clean.”

The charges and the parents of the minors

A case was filed against the arrested persons for setting up and participating in a criminal organisation with the aim of trafficking drugs and obtaining illegal property benefits. At the same time, five persons who were exercising parental care of minor members were arrested, accused of neglect of supervision.

The security investigation continues as authorities believe the full extent of the ring’s activities has yet to be revealed.