Heraklion: Three Arrested for Cocaine and Steroids

Three people were arrested in Heraklion on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, for violations of drug laws and provisions on amateur and professional sport. The case emerged from an investigation by the Narcotics Squad of the Heraklion Sub-Directorate for Crime Suppression and Investigation. Officers monitored the movements of those involved before proceeding with the operation. The arrest took place in the morning, during a handover. The presumption of innocence applies until a final court ruling is issued.

According to the police announcement, officers spotted a 35-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman, both Greek nationals, on a motorcycle handing over a bag to a 32-year-old foreign national. A search followed at the foreign national’s home, where most of the seized items were found. Handover at a pre-arranged location is a common method in trafficking cases. The simultaneous arrest of all three involved allows the trafficking chain to be established. The preliminary investigation continues under the Heraklion Narcotics Squad.

At the home, 1 kilogram and 772 grams of cocaine were found and seized. Also seized were 3,550 anabolic steroid tablets and 736 injectable anabolic preparations. Also found were 2,100 euros in cash and three mobile phones. Two motorcycles and a car were seized as means used to facilitate the offences. The quantity of cocaine is among the largest seized this year on the island.

The presence of a large quantity of anabolic substances gives the case a dual dimension. Anabolic steroids fall under a separate legal framework, that of provisions on amateur and professional sport. Their distribution outside a medical prescription constitutes a separate offence. These substances are typically channelled into gyms. Authorities are examining how these particular quantities reached Crete.

The case is part of a series of operations carried out recently by the island’s drug enforcement services. In Chania, a ring that sent drugs via courier companies, hidden in toy boxes, was dismantled, with the arrest of a 26-year-old found with pink cocaine. In Heraklion, two arrests for cannabis and pills had preceded this case. The cases show different methods of importing and distributing. Checks are stepped up during the summer period.

In Agios Nikolaos, during the same period, a 21-year-old Greek national was arrested with 42.6 grams of cocaine, a precision scale and 3,150 euros. The incident shows that this activity is not confined to the island’s major urban centres. Drug enforcement services operate in every prefecture of Crete. Cooperation between them has led to cases being linked together. Data from seized mobile phones is being systematically analysed.

The three arrested are expected to appear before the competent judicial authorities. The case file assembled is expected to have felony status, due to the quantities involved. More from Heraklion on the Heraklion page. Creta Today will follow the progress of the case. The names of those involved are not being released at this stage of the pre-trial proceedings.