A police raid on an illegal steroids laboratory operating in the basement of a pharmacy in the Athens suburb of Halandri earlier this month uncovered what authorities believe is the largest quantity of retatrutide ever seized in Greece.
Retatrutide, an experimental obesity and diabetes treatment being developed by Eli Lilly, has not yet been approved for commercial use. Police found the substance among around 1,000 injectable weight-loss products seized during the operation, which also uncovered equipment used to manufacture anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing substances.
Authorities arrested the pharmacy’s 51-year-old owner and are investigating how he obtained the drug. According to investigators, the operation began in 2024 and supplied customers in Greece and abroad, including Switzerland. Shipments were allegedly disguised as dietary supplements to evade pharmaceutical regulations.
A 10ml vial sold for up to €150, with the products reportedly aimed at wealthier customers in Greece.
Police also discovered substances used in approved weight-loss medications, leading investigators to conclude that counterfeit versions of commercially available treatments were being produced.
