Greek police arrest three in Crete after three minors are hospitalized with alcohol poisoning

Police operations and arrests in Hersonissos

Officers from the Hersonissos Police Department in Crete arrested three people following targeted inspections to enforce child protection laws on alcohol consumption. The arrests took place during the evening hours of 20 and 21 August 2026 across areas in the municipality of Hersonissos. Authorities acted after two teenagers required emergency medical treatment and hospitalization for acute alcohol intoxication. One case involved a 14-year-old Greek national, while the second involved a 17-year-old German tourist. The Hersonissos Police Department launched a preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding both incidents.

Incidents in Kokkini Chani and Malia

The first incident occurred on the evening of Thursday, 20 August 2026, in the coastal village of Kokkini Chani. A 14-year-old boy was attending a social celebration where he consumed alcoholic beverages until displaying acute symptoms of intoxication. An ambulance from the National Emergency Aid Centre (EKAB) transported the minor to a hospital, where medical staff admitted him to the pediatric clinic for treatment. In response, police officers located and arrested a 40-year-old man who served as the organizer of the event. The second incident occurred on the evening of Friday, 21 August 2026, in the resort town of Malia. A 17-year-old German tourist purchased and consumed alcohol at commercial food and beverage venues before falling ill. Medical personnel transferred him to the Neapoli Health Centre for urgent examination. Police subsequently arrested two venue managers, aged 54 and 49, on charges of serving alcohol to an underage individual.

Earlier hospitalizations and local enforcement

The two cases followed an earlier intoxication incident that occurred in the early morning hours of Wednesday, 19 August 2026, in the same regional unit. In that case, a 13-year-old boy consumed a large amount of tsikoudia, a traditional spirit, while attending a gathering with family members. Family members and medical responders initially transported the boy to the Kastelli Health Centre before transferring him to the Venizeleio General Hospital in Heraklion for inpatient care. In total, three minors received hospital treatment across Crete within a three-day window between 19 August and 21 August 2026. Greek police increased their inspection schedule across entertainment districts in northern Crete to monitor venues serving alcohol to patrons under the legal drinking age.

Legal procedures and preliminary investigations

Following the arrests of the 40-year-old event organizer and the two venue operators aged 54 and 49, the Hersonissos Police Department took charge of the case files. Investigators are examining compliance with national licensing regulations and child protection statutes that prohibit the provision of alcohol to minors. The three arrested individuals face formal charges related to the illegal distribution of alcohol to underage patrons. Authorities in Heraklion confirmed that police checks across tourist hubs, including Malia and Hersonissos, will continue throughout the remainder of the summer tourist season.