Filenews 18 August 2022 - by Michalis Hadjivassilis
A dynamic return of drug trafficking rings after the two-year sterile period due to the pandemic, observes the Anti-Narcotics Administration (YKAN), which saw by the end of July the quantities seized, exceeding the entire last year.
According to data from YKAN, the quantities of cannabis seized this year (249.5 kg) have exceeded the figure for the entire year of 2021. Specifically, in 2021, 240.6 kg of cannabis were detected, in 2020 212 and in 2019 another 227. In 2018, 318.6 kg were detected, it was the year with the most kilos since there was a large seizure.
It seems, according to the finding of the deputy director of YKAN, Stelios Sergidis, the traders returned after the pandemic, more severely. Regarding cocaine, this year 15.5 kg were seized, while the important thing is that the amounts of methamphetamine seized (crystal ice) are 3,549 grams (last year it was 3,642 all year) which shows a stabilization in demand. And here it is recorded, as Mr. Sergidis states, that methamphetamine is now established as the third substance consumed by users, since there is also a significant increase in its use.
It is also important that younger and younger people are involved in drug cases. Specifically, according to the official of the Service, we have 34 minors who have been involved in drug cases. The youngest age involved was 14 years, with the eldest of the minors being 17.
