Greek police have seized more than 70 kilograms of marijuana in a suspected drug-smuggling operation near the northwestern port city of Igoumenitsa, arresting a Greek national who was allegedly transporting the shipment, according to information provided about the case.

The operation took place on Wednesday, with officers from the Patras narcotics unit acting on intelligence about a suspected drug shipment entering Greece from Albania.

Investigators reportedly tracked a suspicious vehicle as it entered Igoumenitsa and monitored it from a distance. The vehicle was allegedly loaded with drugs that had been carried on foot across the so-called “green border” between Albania and Greece.

The narcotics are suspected to have originated in Saranda, southern Albania, before being transported across the border for collection by the vehicle.

Police intercepted the car on the Egnatia Odos highway near Tyria, along the Igoumenitsa–Ioannina route.

Officers arrested the driver, a Greek citizen, and seized 63 packages containing a total of 70 kilograms and 80 grams of marijuana.

Authorities Report Increased Cross-Border Drug Trafficking

The seizure comes amid reports of renewed international drug-smuggling activity from Albania into Greece.

Over the past 14 months, Greek police have seized approximately 1.3 tonnes of marijuana in several locations, including Igoumenitsa, Ioannina, Kastoria, Florina and Thessaloniki.