Operation "King George": 16 arrests and 98 kg of drugs, network dismantled in Trieste
The Trieste Financial Guard has broken up a drugs trafficking organisation with 16 arrests, 35 under investigation and seizures totalling 1.1 million euros.
Operation "King George": national-scale drugs trafficking network dismantled by Trieste Financial Guard
Google News IT — Crime (it) reports that a routine check at Latisana triggered a complex investigation, culminating in the dismantling of a drugs trafficking network operating on a national scale. The operation, codenamed "King George", was conducted by the Trieste Financial Guard in collaboration with the Central Service for Organised Crime Investigation, under the coordination of the Milan District Anti-Mafia Directorate.
The overall outcome includes 16 arrests, 35 under investigation and the seizure of 98.7 kilograms of controlled substances. Assets and financial resources totalling 1.1 million euros were confiscated as part of the operation.
From initial arrests to criminal structure
It all started with the arrest of two couriers at Latisana and the seizure of 2 kilograms of marijuana. That first arrest revealed an articulated organisation at whose centre were individuals primarily of Albanian nationality, operating in various Lombardy provinces. The investigations were subsequently coordinated by the Milan District Anti-Mafia Directorate.
Investigators reconstructed a solid hierarchical structure composed of figures specialised in drugs trafficking. The association adopted systematic countermeasures to reduce the risk of detection: communications via encrypted platforms, continuous rotation of SIM cards, mobile phones and vehicles.
Balkan routes and autonomous production
Cocaine, marijuana and hashish were introduced into Italy through Balkan routes, thanks to collaboration between Italian and Albanian criminal organisations. During the investigations it emerged that the group also had a greenhouse in the Pavia countryside, where it produced marijuana autonomously.
Once in Italy, the substances were stored in flats and garages rented by law-abiding front men, to hinder identification of the organisation's leaders. Distribution took place in Lombardy drug-dealing markets and in tourist venues in northern Italy, including Sistiana, Grado, Latisana, Lignano, Bibione, Jesolo and Caorle. Logistical bases were located in Brescia, Lecco, Milan, Monza Brianza, Pavia, Savona and Siena.
The "runners" and rotation of Albanian couriers
For capillary deliveries, the association recruited local couriers — defined in jargon as "runners" — with specific delivery tasks. Duties were divided between those who prepared doses and those who distributed them on the ground, with a network composed of both Italians and young Albanians.
The latter were brought into Italy for periods not exceeding 90 days — the limit provided for tourist stays — and then replaced by new compatriots with the same duties, making it more difficult for investigators to track them.
Seized material
During operations, 70.5 kilograms of marijuana were seized, of which 64 kilograms in Sesto San Giovanni, 2 kilograms in Latisana and 4.5 kilograms in Lecco. The cocaine confiscated amounts to 21 kilograms, of which 20 kilograms in Saronno and 1 kilogram in Milan.
Among other seizures are a Beretta model 34 calibre 9 short pistol with obliterated serial number and corresponding ammunition, and an Alfa Romeo Stelvio with modified chassis for drugs transport. Subsequent searches ordered by the judicial authority led to the seizure of a further 7.2 kilograms of packaged marijuana, two pistols with obliterated serial numbers, 10 bladed weapons, Rolex watches and cash in European and foreign currency.
Illicit assets and charges
The Trieste Economic-Financial Police Unit reconstructed the assets accumulated by those under investigation, analysing financial flows, current accounts, real estate and bank deposits. The Milan Public Prosecutor's Office ordered urgent preventive seizure of real estate, vehicles, jewellery and financial resources, quantifying illicit proceeds at 1.1 million euros.
Those under investigation are charged, to varying extents, with association for criminal purposes aimed at illicit drugs trafficking, production and possession of drugs, receiving stolen goods, money laundering and possession of unlicensed weapons. Eight of them were hit with precautionary remand in custody orders issued by the judge for preliminary investigations in Milan; another 7 had already been arrested in flagrante delicto during the investigations.
Source: Google News IT — Crime (it)