Police Conduct Nationwide Raids, Seizing Drugs and Arresting 36 Drivers

On the night of March 14, 2024, police across the country executed a series of coordinated raids and traffic controls, resulting in significant seizures of drugs and the arrest of multiple individuals. The Police Administration reported that these operations specifically targeted members of organized crime groups and individuals involved in drug and weapon offenses.

In total, police conducted raids in 33 hospitality venues, inspecting more than 1,500 individuals. Approximately 50 of these individuals were identified as operationally significant. During the operations, authorities detained 36 drivers for various traffic violations and filed 70 misdemeanor charges. The seizures included illicit substances such as marijuana, cocaine, and amphetamines, as well as vehicles, knives, and cash.

Comprehensive Operations Across Regions

In the jurisdiction of the Regional Security Centre “Centre,” raids took place in 11 hospitality venues, resulting in the inspection of 751 individuals, including 27 operationally significant figures and two members of organized crime. A total of 604 vehicles were also controlled, leading to the detention of 13 individuals under traffic safety laws, alongside 23 misdemeanor charges and 60 citations issued for various infractions.

One notable incident involved the discovery of 24.5 grams of marijuana from an 18-year-old identified as M.R., who was apprehended in one of the inspected venues.

The Regional Security Centre “North” reported similar activities, with a raid in a hospitality venue leading to the inspection of 100 individuals. A pepper spray was confiscated during this operation. Additionally, 786 drivers and vehicles were surveyed; five individuals were detained—two for operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol and three for speeding.

Another significant arrest occurred when authorities apprehended a member of an organized crime group, who was found in violation of a territorial exit measure. The police seized his vehicle and €5,800 during this operation.

Targeting Organized Crime and Traffic Violations

In the “West” region, police conducted raids at four hospitality venues, inspecting 235 individuals. Among those checked, two were identified as operationally significant, linked to a local fan group. The operations involved 519 drivers and vehicles, resulting in 105 citations and 92 misdemeanor charges. Five drivers were arrested—one for drug-impaired driving and four for alcohol-related offenses.

During these checks, officers discovered a hatchet, two knives, a metal rod, and a pepper spray from an individual identified as V.V. (20). His vehicle, in which the items were found, was also confiscated. Another operationally significant individual, N.G. (29), had a high-end vehicle seized, along with two knives. Additionally, a smaller quantity of amphetamines was found on a driver named M.B. (31).

The Regional Security Centre “South” reported operations across 17 hospitality venues, where 434 individuals and 378 vehicles were inspected. Authorities sanctioned five operationally significant individuals, filed 17 misdemeanor charges, and issued 124 citations. Among those detained, ten drivers were caught operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol, with seven arrested, while six others were apprehended for drug-related offenses.

These comprehensive police operations reflect a heightened focus on combating organized crime and improving public safety through rigorous enforcement measures. The concerted efforts across various regions highlight the commitment of law enforcement to address drug-related and traffic offenses effectively.