The explosion of a bag with drugs on Wednesday that injured two police officers and two civilians was “not a terrorist act, but one of the common criminal code,” Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis said on Thursday.
Speaking to ANT1 TV. the Minister said the police were investigating the scene and that those responsible will very soon be found.
Chrisochoidis said the case was most likely linked to drugs, pointing out that the explosive device was not very powerful, while adding that the investigation was being handled jointly by the homicide and drug enforcement departments.
Investigating officers believe the bag containing the bomb and the drugs had been left in the building entrance to be picked up by an accomplice, or as a trap for the recipient, but was instead discovered by the building manager and a resident, who called the police.
The officer who came to investigate is thought to have accidentally triggered the bomb while investigating the package.
The package is believed to have contained doses of drugs, possibly heroin, a set of precision scales and small jars of white powder, one of which was possibly linked to the triggering mechanism of the explosive device.
Bomb disposal experts found remnants of an electronic detonator, batteries, a remote control unit and a quantity of not-very-powerful explosives.
They are now investigating people in the area and seeking evidence regarding the route taken by the person that left the bag.
According to media, authorities are closely investigate a possible suspect, a 45-year-old tenant of the multistory apartment building who has a criminal record.
They report that the target was the recipient of the bag and was not a “death trap” against police officers as it was speculated on Wednesday.
The policeofficer that was seriously injured in the face, hands and feet was operated on at the 401 Military Hospital on Wednesday, where doctors managed to save the officer’s injured eye and ear. The second officer has a problem with one ear and an update on her injuries is expected on Thursday.
The two civilians are believed to have being slightly injured.