No one could have imagined that a popular Greek souvlaki shop in Drapetsona, west Athens, would make headlines not for its famous appetizers, but for a drug trafficking ring.
The 55-year-old owner was arrested last week for allegedly sourcing drugs from a 76-year-old Palestinian national. A third man, aged 60, was also detained after purchasing narcotics at the shop. Authorities are now combing through the establishment’s “clientele” to distinguish between those visiting for a souvlaki and those seeking illicit substances.
According to police, the trio faces charges of possession and trafficking across Athens and Piraeus. During raids on homes and the shop, officers seized 280g of heroin, 18g of cocaine, 51.5g of cannabis, and €12,480 in cash.
Perhaps more shocking was the discovery of 212 forged travel documents, including 130 international passports. The suspects, all of whom have prior records, have been referred to the prosecutor.
In Greece, the souvlatzidiko (souvlaki shop) is far more than just a fast-food joint; it is a cornerstone of daily social life and a true cultural landmark. These neighborhood hubs serve as meeting points where people of all ages and backgrounds gather for a quick, affordable, and deeply satisfying meal.
Related: 4,000-Year-Old Skewers Found on Santorini Reveal Souvlaki’s Bronze Age Origins
