Police dismantle two youth drug rings that sold cocaine and cannabis to Athens schoolchildren
A coordinated police operation on 9 June 2026 dismantled two criminal gangs that sold cannabis, cocaine, and Xanax to minors at playgrounds, bus stops, and inside schools across Athens' affluent northern suburbs. Nine suspects aged 14 to 19 were arrested, and two parents face charges of neglect.
Two structured gangs with clear hierarchy
The first organization, active since late April 2026 in Ekali, Drosia, Dionysos, and Nea Erythrea, operated under a 21-year-old leader, a 19-year-old deputy for supply and storage, and a 17-year-old deputy who supervised the minor street dealers and collected cash. The second group, based in Thrakomakedones, referred to its leader as "Boss" or "our big one" and called the teenagers it recruited "little ones" or "my kids." Both networks used Signal and Instagram with coded language for drugs, quantities, and money, and rotated drug stashes to avoid detection. The 17-year-old's vehicle, used to store drugs, was registered in the name of a deceased person to mislead investigators. The second gang stored drugs in an abandoned house and used threats and beatings to collect debts.
Drugs sold on school grounds and playgrounds
The gangs targeted minors, including students as young as first grade of gymnasium (around 12 years old). Cannabis, cocaine, and the sedative Xanax were delivered in a luxury car valued at over €150,000. Deals were arranged via encrypted messages and conducted at playgrounds in Ekali, Semeli Square in Drosia, bus stops, and even inside school complexes. Police confirmed that members attempted to recruit middle-school pupils to distribute drugs, and that cocaine was sold to a girl under the age of 14.
Violent enforcement and a near-fatal ramming
A video obtained by Greek media shows the 21-year-old leader and other members mercilessly beating two young men on the ground months earlier, reportedly over drug debts. During the police operation on 9 June, the same leader rammed a police car with his vehicle, seriously injuring an officer in the leg. The officer was taken to hospital, and the leader now faces an additional charge of attempted murder and remains at large.
- First gang begins operations in Ekali, Drosia, Dionysos, and Nea Erythrea; second gang active in Thrakomakedones
- Police carry out synchronized operation, arresting 9 members and 2 parents; 21-year-old leader remains at large after injuring an officer
Nine arrests, two parents charged, and a manhunt
In the early morning hours of 9 June, officers from the Immediate Intervention Unit for Drugs fanned out across Attica, arresting nine members of the two organizations—seven minors aged 14 to 16 and two adults aged 17 and 19. Two more suspects were identified and are being sought. Additionally, two guardians were arrested and charged with neglect of supervision. The 21-year-old leader, who injured the policeman, is still wanted.
