The Hellenic Coast Guard intercepted the Syrian-flagged freighter Noka off the southeastern coast of Crete on 5 December 2018.[1] The ship, with a crew of 11, was sailing from the Syrian port of Latakia to Benghazi in Libya.[1][2] Officers found about six tonnes of processed cannabis hidden under false floors in eight containers, packed between layers of coffee, spices and wood shavings.[1][2]

The same search also uncovered about three million Captagon amphetamine pills alongside the cannabis.[1][2] The Noka was escorted to Heraklion port on 8 December, where officers unloaded its cargo for a full search.[1][3] The vessel and its contents were impounded, and the crew were arrested and taken before a public prosecutor.[1][2] The coast guard released video of its underwater-missions officers boarding the vessel while under way.[3]