A multinational cocaine cartel, consisting of a chemist, a Bolivian connection with Latin American cartels, a Spanish dealer, three Albanian traffickers, and five Greek ‘businessmen,’ was smuggling pure cocaine into Greece hidden in cowhides imported from Latin America under the guise of materials for clothing and shoes. The operation, uncovered in Pikermi, is considered highly significant and still ongoing. So far, seven people have been arrested and at least three remain at large.
The 30 pallets of cowhide were stored in a house in Pikermi, which served as a lab where the group extracted the cocaine using specialized chemical solvents. Once converted into powder form, the drug was distributed across Greece and other European countries through street markets and dealerships.
Narcotics officers describe this as a new method used by major cocaine networks to smuggle drugs undetected by authorities. Sending the hides via shipping containers makes it extremely difficult for customs officials to detect the presence of narcotics.
This case highlights the sophistication of modern drug trafficking operations, involving technical expertise, equipment, and insider knowledge to bypass traditional security measures.