Athens: Police in northern Greece said on Saturday that they seized dozens of packages of cocaine stashed in containers laden with bananas shipped from Latin America.
Police seized two suspect containers at the port of Piraeus and transported them to the port of Thessaloniki, where they discovered 100 "bricks" of hidden cocaine weighing 161 kilos.
According to police, the drugs, which would have been distributed throughout Greece and other European countries, are worth approximately €3.2 million.
Also Read: Senegal's death toll rises after two days of violent protests
The shipment was discovered as part of an investigation launched by Greece last month in collaboration with North Macedonian authorities and the US anti-drug agency, following the discovery of about 100 kilos of cocaine hidden in banana containers at a warehouse in Thessaloniki. 14 people have been arrested.
Greece announced additional measures on Wednesday to address certain drug shortages, which it attributed to an increase in seasonal virus infections, supply chain issues, the energy crisis, and reduced exports from Asia.
Although Greece has enough supplies for the time being, Health Minister Thanos Plevris stated that production of generic drugs in Greek factories would be increased, and checks would be conducted at pharmacy stores and large drug warehouses to ensure that they have the reserves required by Greek law.
There is a shortage of certain branded drugs containing paracetamol, antibiotics, and respiratory devices... especially for children," Plevris said at a news conference, adding that the problem is being addressed with generic drugs so far.
Also Read: China's 'increasingly risky' actions in Asia are causing concern, according to the Pentagon
The minister went on to say that he had written to the European Union's health commissioner, requesting better coordination and a broader intervention to address the problem
