Drug Trafficking

Drug Trafficking Defense in Greece

Greek drug law distinguishes carefully between personal use and trafficking — and the penalty difference between the two is enormous.

Direct answer: Drug offences in Greece are governed by Law 4139/2013, which distinguishes personal-use possession (a misdemeanour, up to five months) from trafficking, which carries a minimum of eight years’ imprisonment and fines up to €300,000. Aggravating circumstances — schools, prisons, criminal organisations, or high-value operations — push penalties as high as life imprisonment.

The Legal Framework

How Greek Drug Law Actually Works

Law 4139/2013

The core statute governing narcotics offences in Greece, replacing the earlier Law 3459/2006.

Personal Use vs. Trafficking

Personal-use possession is a misdemeanour carrying up to five months; trafficking starts at a minimum of eight years.

Aggravating Factors

Trafficking near schools or prisons, by public officials, or through criminal organisations pushes penalties to 10 years or more.

Judicial Discretion

Since a 2013 amendment, courts — not fixed thresholds — determine what counts as personal-use quantity based on substance, quantity, and purity.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions

What is the actual penalty for drug trafficking in Greece?

The baseline offence carries a minimum of eight years’ imprisonment and fines up to €300,000, rising significantly with aggravating factors.

Is personal possession treated the same as trafficking?

No — personal-use possession is a misdemeanour carrying up to five months, a very different track from trafficking.

Can a drug trafficking case have an international element?

Yes — cross-border trafficking cases often intersect with extradition or INTERPOL notice matters.