Greece busts illegal drug and doping ring operating from pharmacy basement

Greek authorities have dismantled a sophisticated criminal network involved in the illegal production and distribution of medicines and doping substances. The operation, led by the Economic Crime Prosecution Unit, uncovered a laboratory operating in the basement of a pharmacy in Chalandri, a suburb of Athens.

During a raid on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, conducted in collaboration with the National Organization for Medicines (EOF) and intelligence units, fourteen individuals were arrested. Authorities identified a 51-year-old pharmacy owner as the alleged ringleader, who reportedly equipped the basement with full production equipment without EOF approval and in violation of sterile product manufacturing standards.

The network, which had been active since January 2024, allegedly produced a range of products, including those for weight loss, erectile dysfunction, and performance enhancement. Ten members, some with biological expertise, were reportedly involved in the production. The finished products were distributed through the pharmacy, sold wholesale to an unlicensed company, or shipped directly to customers via websites, with packages falsely declared as dietary supplements or wellness products.

Searches of residences, pharmacies, and supplement companies yielded substantial seizures, including over 40,000 illegal drug and doping items, 13 kilograms of raw materials, packaging supplies, and cash. Authorities estimate the network made over 15,000 shipments to Greece and 90 other countries. The seized products are valued at over 600,000 euros, with illegal profits estimated to exceed 1 million euros. The arrested individuals have been handed over to the judicial authorities.