Heraklion authorities seize smuggled alcohol and nitrous oxide

Authorities in Heraklion, Crete, have uncovered an organized operation involving the illegal distribution of alcohol and nitrous oxide. A joint operation by the Hellenic Police and the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) targeted a warehouse owned by a 62-year-old man.

Officers seized 3,856 liters of various alcoholic beverages, including vodka and gin, for which no purchase invoices or tax records existed. Additionally, officials confiscated 664 metal cylinders containing nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” which could have produced approximately 18,000 balloons. About 4,000 ready-to-use balloons were also found on-site.

Investigators found empty bottles with labels linking the products to a specific distillery located in the Peloponnese. Consequently, the investigation has expanded to mainland Greece, where authorities are inspecting additional warehouses belonging to the same company. Samples of the seized alcohol have been sent to the General State Laboratory to determine if they are safe for human consumption. The 62-year-old owner and two other individuals are facing legal proceedings.