A major operation led to the dismantling of a drug trafficking organization in Rhodes, with police officers also under scrutiny for corruption involving usury.
An extensive operation by the Internal Affairs Service of the Security Forces has led to the complete dismantling of a criminal organization that systematically trafficked drugs on the island of Rhodes. This operation took place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, resulting in the arrest of five members of the gang, while a total of 25 individuals are implicated in the case. The investigation indicates a significant presence of organized crime on the island, highlighting the severity of drug-related issues in the region.
In addition to the drug trafficking charges, the investigation has unveiled a serious case of police corruption involving allegations of usury and fraud exceeding €120,000. The existence of corrupt police officers suggests a troubling level of collusion between law enforcement and organized crime, posing concerns about the integrity of the police force and its ability to effectively combat illegal activities.
The criminal organization is described as having a strict hierarchical structure with its operational center in Rhodes, and it sourced supplies from Attica using ferry routes. The leader, a 40-year-old foreign national, was responsible for coordinating the supply, transportation from Piraeus, storage, and distribution of drugs to local traffickers. This case illustrates not only the reach of organized crime in local communities but also the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining law and order amidst such entrenched criminal networks.
