Drug Offences Under Greek Law

Learn about the Greek legal framework for drug offences, the penalties for drug trafficking, the criminal procedure followed in serious drug cases, and the importance of specialised criminal defence

⚖️ Drug-related offences under Greek law may constitute either misdemeanours or felonies, depending on the nature and circumstances of the offence.

Misdemeanour offences include, for example, the possession or acquisition of a small quantity of narcotic substances for personal use, as well as the cultivation of cannabis for personal use, which may be punishable by imprisonment of up to five months, among other cases provided by law.

On the other hand, drug-related offences may constitute felonies when they involve drug trafficking.

The applicable legal classification depends on the specific facts of each case, the nature of the conduct involved and the evidence collected during the criminal proceedings.

📜 The penalty framework for drug trafficking offences (such as the sale of narcotic substances, possession of a quantity of drugs that cannot be justified for personal use, purchase of narcotics, storage of narcotic substances, and similar acts) provides for imprisonment of eight (8) to twenty (20) years, as well as a financial penalty of up to €300,000.

In aggravated cases (for example, trafficking within military facilities, detention facilities, educational institutions, or trafficking committed in the context of a criminal organisation), the applicable penalties become more severe.

In such cases, the penalty may include imprisonment of ten (10) to twenty (20) years and a financial penalty ranging from €50,000 to €500,000.

In particularly aggravated circumstances, such as drug trafficking committed by a criminal organisation with an expected financial benefit exceeding €75,000, the penalty may reach life imprisonment, together with a financial penalty ranging from €50,000 to €1,000,000.

✍️ It should be noted that, in felony drug cases, a formal investigation takes place. The defendant is required to provide a defence statement before the Investigating Judge, and immediately after the completion of this procedure, the Investigating Judge—after obtaining the written agreement of the Prosecutor—decides whether the defendant will be placed in pre-trial detention or whether they will remain free until the case is heard before the Criminal Court.

Therefore, taking into consideration all the above, it becomes clear that the legal framework governing drug offences in Greece requires the assistance of a lawyer with specialised legal knowledge and substantial courtroom experience in order to develop the appropriate criminal defence strategy.

Drug-related criminal cases are among the most complex areas of Criminal Law, as the legal consequences may vary significantly depending on the classification of the offence, the evidence available, the quantity and type of substances involved, as well as the individual circumstances of each case.

A careful evaluation of the facts, the case file and the applicable legal provisions from the early stages of the proceedings is essential for ensuring the effective protection of the defendant’s rights.

💼 I have practised Criminal Law for many years and have developed specialised expertise and extensive courtroom experience in handling drug-related criminal cases.

I hold a Doctoral Degree (PhD) in the field of narcotics law and, for a period of almost 15 years, I served as a member of the legal team of KETHEA (Centre for the Treatment of Dependent Individuals), representing individuals undergoing treatment before Investigating Authorities, Prosecutorial Authorities and Criminal Courts.

This extensive experience has provided me with in-depth knowledge of the legal, procedural and practical aspects involved in drug-related cases, as well as the particular challenges faced by defendants in such proceedings.

📞 If you are accused of committing a drug-related criminal offence, contact us  at  +30 6977424779.

We can provide immediate and effective assistance, offering the appropriate legal support and defence representation required for your case.

🆘 24-hour assistance is available in urgent cases, including arrests, offences subject to the immediate procedure (flagrante delicto) and other emergency situations requiring immediate legal intervention.

Would you like to learn more about arrests in drug-related cases and the procedures followed by the authorities?

Read our latest article below regarding what applies in cases of arrest for drug offences:

• Drug Arrests in Greece: What Does the Law Provide and How Can You Protect Your Rights?