Drug trafficking and cocaine use by minors, even 13-year-olds
Greek police dismantled two drug networks in Athens' northern suburbs that recruited minors as young as 13 to sell cocaine and cannabis near schools and playgrounds.
Trafficking and use of cocaine by minors, even 13-year-olds.
They’re pushing drugs in playgrounds, schools, squares and bus stops.
According to the data that came to light, the networks had developed a drug trafficking ring (cocaine and cannabis), with a “clientele” mainly of young people, while transactions took place in squares, playgrounds, bus stops and even near school complexes.
Indicative of the extent of the phenomenon is that even middle school children had been recruited, with reports of the involvement of 13 and 14-year-old minors.
As Konstantina Dimoglidou, spokesperson for the Hellenic Police, characteristically stated, the minors were initially approached to become drug users and then, due to financial dependence, were recruited to distribute to their peers.
In fact, according to her, in one case a 14-year-old girl obtained cocaine, an element which, as she emphasized, had not been frequently recorded at such young ages.
All this came to light following the dismantling of two organized drug trafficking networks in the northern suburbs.
Investigations showed that the leader of the first gang, a 21-year-old, allegedly rammed a police officer during an escape attempt, injuring him. Deputy leaders of the organizations were a 19-year-old and a 17-year-old, who, according to the Authorities, had undertaken the recruitment of younger children.
The situation has spiraled out of control. For there to be improvement, willingness, patience and strict measures are needed.
The greatest burden must fall on the family, with support from the state to the parent, so that they can be substantively present for the child. Initially, a communication line must be created with specialist psychologists, so that the parent can find support and guidance on how to help their child.
The state, however, must intervene in depth. Motherhood needs support. It is not acceptable for the mother, a word with enormous weight and a role model with a central role within the family, to be exhausted in her workplace, without having the time and strength to support her children.
Flexible working hours and substantial support must be given to the mother, so that she can be present in the upbringing of her children and raise them herself, and not have the internet and social media do it.
At school, there must also be strict control, as well as a ban on entry to outsiders. At the same time, an organized awareness program is needed regarding the phenomenon of violence, drug substances and the formation of gangs.
While minors may be preferred by gangs due to the lighter sentences they receive in cases of criminal activity, if the state decides to treat the recruitment of minors by adults as a felony, with heavy prison sentences without suspension, as well as with a high fine or even seizure of assets, then I am certain that this phenomenon will decrease.
