Greek police stage massive raid on village

ATHENS, Greece, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Greek police raided a mountain village in Crete, searching houses, destroying cannabis gardens and arresting nine people.

Wednesday's raid on Zoniana came two days after a police convoy was ambushed there, Kathimerini reported. Three officers were hurt in the skirmish, which prevented a drug sweep.

The raid involved about 400 police officers, supported by helicopters and snipers placed on the hills surrounding the village.

Officers reportedly found several cannabis plantations, including one next to the village graveyard. Plants were found drying on tombstones. Officials suggested that drug dealers had been operating freely for years in the area with the help of some politicians.

"For years there has been no real administration in this area," said Theodoros Roussopoulos, a government spokesman. "The village has operated outside the state."