Greek Authorities Uncover 14 Packages of Cocaine Hidden in Banana Shipment
GREECE - The latest drug bust to come across our news desk this week places bananas at the center. After criminals sought to use this fruit as a vehicle for their drug trafficking schemes, customs auditors of the Independent Public Revenue Authority discovered a shipment of bananas had been masking a huge stash of cocaine headed from Costa Rica.
Greek City Times reported that the container was traveling from Costa Rica to Croatia, declaring a load of bananas inside. The container was selected for inspection using the special risk analysis algorithm, upon which officials discovered the stash.
Another source, Proto Thema, reported the value of the drugs to amount to 650,000 euros (approximately $654,787 USD).
Using a special self-propelled X-Ray machine, officials scanned the container and detected an indication of "organic material" in the refrigeration machinery area, leading to the discovery and seizure of 14 packages containing 16 kilograms of cocaine.
ANUK continues to applaud the effort of authorities who remain on the front lines of protecting fresh produce.