Greek authorities identified approximately 80 kilos of cannabis on a semi-sunken inflatable boat, which had transmitted a distress signal (SOS) in the open sea between Corfu and Igoumenitsa.

The 50-year-old from Saranda, was rescued by Coast Guard boats and taken to Filiates Hospital. He was then taken to the Igoumenitsa police station, where he was detained for questioning.

The inflatable boat, which had been drifted by the currents and was located near the coast of Sagiada, contained about 80 kilos of marijuanaAuthorities estimate that the cargo was probably larger, as the boat's operator may have thrown part of the quantity into the sea when he realized the mechanical failure and the risk of sinking due to rough seas.

The search and rescue operation was organized by the Unified Search And Rescue coordination Center of the Navy, which informed the port authorities of Corfu and Igoumenitsa. The inflatable boat was eventually found near the islet of Prasoudi.

At the same time, in collaboration with the Police Department of Agioi Saranda and the city's Prosecutor's Office, searches were carried out in residences, including the home of the arrested person and his relatives, but no additional evidence was obtained.

According to police sources, the 50-year-old is considered an old acquaintance of the authorities and one of the most experienced drug traffickers in the area, who allegedly operated on the line Agioi Saranda – Corfu using inflatables or jet-skis to transport loads of cannabis.