Significant public and media interest surrounds the case of four Greek men accused of trafficking methamphetamine worth $34 million into Australia. The defendants are scheduled to appear in court on February 20, as Australian authorities continue their investigation into this high-profile drug bust.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) launched the investigation in June, targeting an international drug trafficking syndicate smuggling narcotics from the United Kingdom to Australia.
The arrests unfolded in December, culminating in the capture of a 30-year-old man at Birubi Beach on December 20. According to reports, the suspect allegedly attempted to evade arrest by swimming away but was overwhelmed by the waves.
Authorities claim the 30-year-old was in possession of 37 kilograms of methamphetamine, valued at $34 million, concealed in a vehicle and intended for delivery to an unidentified recipient. If convicted, he faces a potential life sentence for drug possession and trafficking.
Three additional Greek nationals, aged 43, 41, and 45, were also arrested in connection with the case. The two older suspects are accused of transporting the drugs from an aircraft to the 30-year-old’s vehicle, while the 45-year-old is alleged to have facilitated the storage of the narcotics.
Prominent Greek criminal lawyer Sakis Kehagioglou has traveled to Australia to represent one of the accused. Speaking to journalists, Kehagioglou emphasised his client’s innocence, stating:
“My client comes from a reputable Australian family, has an extensive record of lawful business activities, and has no prior criminal record. He asserts his complete innocence, claiming no connection to the seized narcotics and maintaining that he is a victim of an international trafficking network.
After numerous meetings with his business associates and family members in Sydney, I find his claims credible and logical. I am confident this will be demonstrated during the investigation and trial.”
During his stay in Sydney, Kehagioglou, who holds the title of Archon Dikaiophylax of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, attended several Greek Orthodox liturgical services and Archdiocesan events. On Epiphany Day, he participated in the Divine Liturgy and Great Blessing of the Waters at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Sydney, where Archbishop Makarios of Australia welcomed him warmly, highlighting his distinguished title.
The case has garnered widespread attention in both Australia and Greece due to the nationalities of the accused and the scale of the operation.
As investigations proceed, further details are anticipated to emerge, shedding light on the inner workings of the alleged trafficking network.
