Former Footballer Involved in Cocaine Trafficking Hidden in Banana Containers

Prominent local figures, including clients from the entertainment and sports world, such as a former footballer and an overseer, were implicated in the case involving cocaine hidden in shipping containers filled with bananas. The transportation of cocaine concealed in banana containers unraveled a major investigation by the Greek Police, exposing the activities of five criminal organizations operating in Argolida and Attica. The case began to unfold last November when significant evidence was discovered. A high-ranking employee at the container terminal in the port of Piraeus emerged as a key figure, reportedly responsible for receiving large quantities of cocaine shipped from Ecuador. In total, 17 individuals were arrested, and over €375,000 in cash was seized. Among those arrested was a 48-year-old overseer. During a second inspection of the same container, an additional 26 kilograms of cocaine were found, leading to new charges. The codeword ‘blazers’ was used by the former footballer to refer to cocaine, according to authorities. Handwritten order notes and conversations revealed that their clientele included footballers and well-known actors. The suspects appeared before the examining magistrate today (April 12, 2025) to defend themselves. Defense attorney Alexandros Papayiannidis stated: ‘This indictment primarily relies on phone conversations rather than tangible evidence. The final interpretation of the data belongs to the Greek Police, and it remains to be seen if this truly constitutes a drug trafficking case.’