According to local media reports, the operation is being conducted by the Chania Crime Investigation and Combative Team (OPKE) Sub-Directorate with assistance from various police units across Crete.

The operation is being carried out in the presence of eight public prosecutors in areas of the prefectures of Chania and Rethymno, with the aim of dismantling the criminal organization. The members of the ring are involved in drug trafficking, weapons selling, extortion, money laundering, and other crimes.

So far, 48 people have been arrested, while quantities of cannabis and cocaine, handguns, combat rifles, vehicles, and cash have been seized by the Greek Police. According to information from local news, the persons involved reportedly include uniformed personnel, military and police officers, and businessmen who are well-known in the community.

Months-long investigation by Greek police on Crete

Greek Police had been gathering information on the activities of the Crete mafia for months, particularly following the arrival of the new leadership at the Chania Police Department, which included experienced officers from Athens.

The investigation by the Greek Police was triggered by an explosive device placed by unknown individuals in the home of a Cretan police officer in January. The operation was planned by senior officers who had moved to Chania about a year and a half ago, with the main goal of dismantling organized crime rings.

Available evidence points to an extensive network of people—some previously above suspicion—implicated in drug trafficking, arms trafficking, extortion, and money laundering. According to local reports, army personnel involved in the ring were also stealing fuel from military depots.

Investigations into the explosive device planted at the police officer’s residence revealed that cocaine traffickers had planned to kill the officer who had previously brought charges against them. A 36-year-old man from Crete was arrested in connection with the bombing. He was found in possession of 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds) of cocaine and two explosive devices ready for use.

The case began to unfold when the Chania police director and the commander of Chania Security, who had both been sent from Athens, requested a thorough search of the mobile phones of crime suspects who had been arrested shortly after their arrival on the island. This investigation eventually led to the unraveling of the network and culminated in Sunday’s arrests of members of the criminal ring.