Shocking conversations from a drug trafficking gang in Nea Filadelfeia, Nea Chalkidona, and Ano Patisia have come to light. Recorded by the Greek Police, these talks show how young students were recruited and forced into trafficking, even during school hours.
In one recording, a gang member tells a student in class to leave school, ‘jump the fence,’ and meet him in five minutes. He threatens to beat him if he is late. In another chat, the 20-year-old leader talks with minor traffickers about drug amounts and prices.
The gang’s leader is a 20-year-old foreigner known as ‘Fratello,’ with a 19-year-old Greek deputy called ‘Zoumpo.’ Zoumpo’s house in Ano Patisia was a stash spot for large amounts of drugs. The gang used nicknames, and their main meeting place was a local park, referred to in code.
Despite their youth, authorities describe the leader and deputy as very ruthless. They punished members who didn’t follow orders with physical beatings and financial ‘charges’ to keep control. They mainly communicated through Instagram and Signal.
Using phone taps, online monitoring, and physical surveillance, Attica Security found 263 drug deals. The gang sold cannabis for 10 euros per gram and cocaine for 50 euros per gram.
This case is a serious warning for Cyprus. While there’s no evidence of similar gangs in schools now, experts and authorities caution that the same methods of recruiting minors, intimidation, and using social networks could easily emerge in Cypriot schools.
Parents, educators, and students must stay alert to ensure schools remain safe places for learning instead of hotspots for crime.
