Greek coastguard officers seized 360.7 kilograms of raw cannabis worth an estimated €1.08 million from a Croatian-flagged sailing yacht southwest of Chios early on Saturday, arresting two Ukrainian nationals. Authorities are also investigating whether the suspects had links to a migrant-smuggling network or other illegal activities.
According to the Hellenic Coast Guard, a patrol vessel from the Central Port Authority of Chios spotted the yacht about 6.5 nautical miles south of Antipsara in the early hours of Saturday. Officers from the Coast Guard’s Special Missions Unit took part in the operation.
A second patrol vessel also joined the operation, carrying divers from the Coast Guard’s Underwater Missions Unit.
During a search of the yacht’s interior, officers discovered 27 bags containing airtight packages of raw cannabis, with a total gross weight of 360.7 kilograms.
The authorities escorted the yacht to the port of Chios, where they arrested its two Ukrainian occupants. Officers also seized the vessel, €2,000 in cash, a laptop and six mobile phones.
Authorities investigate possible migrant-smuggling links
The Coast Guard said officers launched the operation after its Directorate of Security and Maritime Border Protection received and assessed intelligence about a suspicious yacht that might have been involved in migrant smuggling or other illegal activities.
The Regional Drug Enforcement Team of the Central Port Authority of Chios is conducting the preliminary investigation, assisted by a specialist team from Coast Guard headquarters. Investigators are examining whether the two suspects may have participated in other illegal activities, including migrant smuggling.
Shipping Minister praises Coast Guard officers
Shipping and Island Policy Minister Vassilis Kikilias praised the officers involved in the operation in a post on X.
He highlighted the seizure of more than 360 kilograms of cannabis, valued at over €1 million, and the arrest of two people.
Kikilias congratulated the Coast Guard personnel on their professionalism and effectiveness, adding: “We continue the daily fight against drug trafficking to protect citizens’ safety.”
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