Trieste Financial Guard dismantles international drug trafficking network from Albania to Italy
In an extensive investigation, the Italian Financial Guard discovered a well-structured criminal organisation that was trafficking large quantities of narcotics from Albania to Italy via the Balkans.
Trieste Financial Guard dismantles international drug trafficking network from Albania to Italy
In an extensive investigation, the Italian Financial Guard discovered a well-structured criminal organisation that was trafficking large quantities of narcotics from Albania to Italy via the Balkans. The illegal drugs were then distributed to various cities in northern and central Italy.
The investigation, named King George, was conducted by the anti-mafia prosecutor's office in Milan and began following the arrest of two drug dealers near Latisana, where police seized two kilograms of marijuana. Subsequent investigations revealed that this was part of a larger criminal network that was also active in Lombardy and Liguria.
During the summer months, pushers offered drugs mainly in coastal tourist destinations with a lively nightlife and hotel scene, including Sistiana, according to OBALAplus. According to investigators, it was a branching network that operated on multiple levels – from traffickers and storage operatives to street-level drug dealers.
In the final phase of the investigation, law enforcement seized a total of 98.7 kilograms of drugs, including 77.7 kilograms of marijuana and 21 kilograms of cocaine, as well as three pistols with obliterated serial numbers and various bladed weapons. In addition, goods, vehicles and cash worth a total of approximately 1.1 million euros were seized. Thirty-five people were reported to the authorities, of whom 16 were arrested.
The financial police monitored the activities of the suspects for several months, intercepted their communications and analysed their movements. Members of the organisation attempted to evade controls by using encrypted communication channels and frequently changing SIM cards and phones.
The drugs – marijuana, hashish and cocaine – were imported into Italy from Albania, stored in flats and garages, whilst some was cultivated directly in special plantations in the Pavia area. A dense network of couriers handled distribution, while individual drug dealers in Italy rotated every few months.
The drugs were sold in numerous cities, including Brescia, Lecco, Siena, Monza, Pavia and Savona, and during the tourist season also in Sistiana, Grado, Jesolo, Caorle, Bibione and Latisana.
Source: Google News SI — Crime (sl)