Pubdate: Mon, 01 Jan 2001
Source: Chicago Tribune (IL)
Copyright: 2001 Chicago Tribune Company
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Note: From Tribune News Services

1,129 POUNDS OF HEROIN SEIZED FROM BUSES

ATHENS, GREECE -- Greece said on Sunday it had seized 1,129 pounds of
heroin, its largest-ever haul, in raids on two Turkish tourist buses.

Police said the heroin, with an estimated street value of 5 billion
drachmas ($13.6 million), was destined for western Europe.

Four Turkish men, the drivers of the coaches, were arrested. The Greek
Narcotics Squad said six more people had been arrested in Turkey.

Greek police said they tailed three Turkish tourist coaches for five
days after receiving a tip from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and
Turkish authorities.

"For the first time, we had such good cooperation with Turkish
authorities on a drug bust," a Greek police official said.

The heroin was hidden in secret compartments in the air conditioning
ducts of two of the three coaches seized. 
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