The Greek government will send heavily armed police to the island of Zakynthos (Zante) to maintain order and improve security in the popular tourist destination in the Ionian Sea.
This was stated by the Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis, who visited the island on Wednesday to address security issues on the island. The minister held a closed meeting with representatives of the Zakynthos Police Department, as well as negotiations with local authorities.
“The tourism industry in Zakynthos is vital to the island's wealth, development and prosperity. Safety is critical to its continued growth,” – Chrysochoidis said, according to the state news agency amna.
The minister also announced plans to significant strengthening of the Zakynthos police department by sending additional police officers to maintain order and improve security, especially in sensitive areas such as Laganas. Mr. Chrysochoidis also stressed that heavily armed police officers are expected to be deployed to the island in the coming days to deal with drug-related issues and areas with serious security problems.
It is unclear what the minister meant by heavy weapons, but this is usually heavy machine guns, armored vehicles and other “heavy weapons”. However, according to the authors Kathimerinidrug dealing, beatings, stabbings and violent clashes are common in Zakynthos, especially in tourist areas like Laganas. Recently, twelve people aged between 17 and 23 were arrested after a violent bar fight that resulted in stabbings. Charges include attempted murder, weapons violations and assault.
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