Kalamata Police Dismantle Ring Cultivating Over 4,600 Cannabis Plants

Authorities in Kalamata have dismantled a sophisticated criminal operation responsible for cultivating over 4,600 cannabis plants in a remote forest region of Fthiotida. The successful bust by the Kalamata Narcotics Division resulted in the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of a substantial illegal drug haul.

The arrested suspects, a 50-year-old Greek national and two foreign nationals aged 33 and 38, were apprehended within the plantation itself. They were found living in tents amidst the crops, which were meticulously tended on approximately 25 acres of land. The cannabis plants themselves reached up to 1.8 meters in height.

During the police operation, officers confiscated 4,670 cannabis seedlings, 412 grams of processed cannabis, a ZASTAVA pistol with two magazines and 22 rounds of ammunition, 440 euros in cash, and seven mobile phones. The suspects also utilized an elaborate irrigation system, powered by a photovoltaic panel, and had three makeshift drying facilities on site.

Law enforcement estimates that this operation could have generated up to 9 million euros in illicit profits. The investigation, which employed a combination of intelligence gathering and scientific methods, suggests the organization had been active for at least three months. The two foreign nationals were found to be in the country illegally. The investigation is ongoing.