Greek police dismantle cannabis plantations in Rethymno and Messenia

Greek police have conducted major operations against illegal cannabis cultivation in the regions of Rethymno and Messenia, resulting in multiple arrests and the destruction of numerous plants.

In Rethymno, authorities targeted mountainous areas within the Mylopotamos and Anogeia municipalities. The operation uncovered 12 cannabis plantations containing 114 plants, some reaching up to 3 meters in height. Two men, aged 70 and 77, were arrested after being identified as owners of the plots. Police also seized 170 cartridges and 400 euros hidden in a rock crevice, along with 126 grams of dried cannabis stems.

In Messenia, an operation between the municipalities of Kalamata and Megalopoli led to the discovery of an organized plantation in a difficult-to-access forest area. Officers uprooted 267 cannabis plants, approximately 2 meters tall, and seized cultivation equipment. Three individuals were arrested: two men, aged 21 and 35, who were found at the site, and a 57-year-old man for weapons violations. Authorities estimate the potential profits from this specific operation could have reached 360,000 euros.