Gorgeous Greek model Afroditi Barba – who was arrested in possession of 35 packets of cocaine – has been defended by her dad who claims her jealous Sheikh ex-husband framed her after threatening to “destroy her and her child’s life”.

Barba, 31, famous for her appearance on the second series of ‘Next Top Model Greece’, was stopped by the police in her black Range Rover in the suburb of Glyfada in the Greek capital Athens on the evening of 21st August.

The police said the model’s behaviour was suspicious and so they decided to thoroughly search her vehicle.

Officers reportedly found 35 packages of cocaine weighing a total of 33.1 grammes under the driver’s seat.

According to local media, Barba’s Range Rover was seized and she was detained at Glyfada Police Station for drug trafficking.

As the cocaine was reportedly split into 35 separate nylon packaging bags, the police believe they were intended for sale.

Following her arrest, Barba and her lawyer have reportedly claimed that the drugs were planted on her.

Now the model’s father has come out in defence of his daughter, giving details to local media about her ex-husband, who has not been named but is reportedly a wealthy Sheikh, claiming he is likely to be behind the ‘set up’.

Barba’s father, name not reported, told the news site MEGA: “It is simply inconceivable that my daughter would do something like this.”

He then talked about his daughter’s ex-husband with whom she has a daughter, saying: “He doesn’t care about my daughter or about his own daughter. He is such a dreadful person that it can’t be put into words.”

According to the model’s dad, her ex-husband threatened her just one month ago, saying: “I will destroy you, I will destroy you and your child.”

Barba has also placed the blame at the feet of her ex-husband claiming he sent her a text that read: “You are the worst thing that ever happened to me. I wish you a miserable death. I will end you and your partner when I get the chance. I promise.”

She added that her ex-husband is a violent man and she is terrified of having her daughter taken away from her and given to him.

Her father said: “This man has a mentality which sees women as property and as a result he has often treated her in an unacceptable manner. I think he had someone put the drugs in the car.”

The investigation is ongoing.