At the airport “El. Venizelos” 22-year-old drug courier detained with 72 capsules of cocaine in his stomach

The man arrived on a flight from abroad and carried in his body 72 oval capsulescontaining more 840 grams of cocaine. Such drug couriers are called drug mule.

Athens: A 22-year-old drug courier with 72 cocaine capsules in his stomach was detained at Eleftherios Venizelos airport. pic.twitter.com/ViKEfTsu4W

— Athens News (@russianathens) October 16, 2025

Testing at risk of life

The arrest took place in the evening October 15 within targeted checksaimed at preventing the import of drugs into Greece through air routes. According to the police, the identity of the suspect was established after analyzing data, operational information and applying the method profiling — building a behavioral and logistics profile of possible couriers.

During the search and medical examination, it turned out that the man swallowed cocaine capsulesto smuggle them across the border. Each capsule was wrapped in latex, and the total weight of the substance was 840 grams. This method of transportation is considered one of the most dangerous: even minor damage to the capsule can lead to an instant overdose and death of the courier.

What else was found on the detainee?

In addition to the drug, they seized 560 euros in cash And mobile phonepresumably used to communicate with the organizers of the delivery. Police believe that the suspect acted on the instructions of an international drug trafficking network specializing in the air transportation of drugs from South America and Africa to Europe.

Investigation and charges

A criminal case has been initiated against the detainee under the article on violation of drug laws. After completing the initial investigative actions, the 22-year-old man was brought to the prosecutor to file charges and choose a preventive measure. The investigation is checking whether he was previously involved in such transportation.

The police continue to check supply chains and remind: any information about drug trafficking can be reported anonymously via hotlines ΕΛΑΣ.

Who are “drug mules”

“Mules” (drug mule) – this is the name given to couriers transporting drugs inside the body. These are usually people who are recruited for small sums or under pressure to swallow dozens of drug capsules. If the substance leaks, death occurs within a few minutes. In Europe, dozens of similar incidents are recorded every year, especially at large airports.

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