Operation "King George" in Trieste: 16 arrests and almost 100 kg of drugs seized
The Trieste Financial Guard has dismantled an Italian-Albanian network of drug traffickers: 16 arrested, 35 under investigation and assets seized worth €1.1 million.
Major anti-drug operation in Trieste: network spanning Italy and Albania broken up
Google News IT — Crime (it) reports the details of Operation "King George", which has led to sixteen arrests, 35 people under investigation, almost 100 kilograms of drugs seized and assets worth €1.1 million subject to precautionary seizure. The operation was coordinated by the Milan District Anti-Mafia Directorate and carried out by the Trieste Financial Guard, with support from the Central Service for Organised Crime Investigation of the Financial Police.
Origin of the investigation
Investigations began following a check at Latisana, in the province of Udine, which led to the arrest of two couriers and the seizure of two kilograms of marijuana. Based on that initial finding, investigators reconstructed the existence of a criminal structure composed mainly of Albanian citizens, operating in various provinces of Lombardy.
A hierarchical organisation difficult to intercept
According to what emerged from the investigation, the organisation was structured hierarchically. To reduce the risk of interception, members communicated via encrypted platforms, with continuous replacement of mobile phones and SIM cards. The same strategy was applied to vehicles used, which were also replaced frequently.
Supplies of cocaine, marijuana and hashish took place through Balkan routes, thanks to collaboration between Italian criminal groups and organisations of Albanian origin. During the course of the investigation, a cannabis cultivation greenhouse was also identified in the Pavia countryside.
Deposits and distribution in northern Italy
Once introduced into Italy, the drugs were stored in flats and lock-ups rented by people with no criminal record used as front men. The drugs were then redistributed at Lombard drug dealing points and in tourist locations in northern Italy. For distribution, the organisation made use of couriers recruited specifically — Italian citizens and young Albanians with no criminal record — who remained in the territory for limited periods, up to 90 days, before being replaced.
Seizure details
During the investigation, a total of 70.5 kilograms of marijuana were seized — of which 64 in Sesto San Giovanni, 2 in Latisana and 4.5 in Lecco — as well as 21 kilograms of cocaine, of which 20 in Saronno and one in Milan. Financial police also seized a Beretta pistol calibre 9 short with obliterated serial number and corresponding ammunition, as well as an Alfa Romeo Stelvio modified for drug transport. At this stage seven people were arrested in flagrante delicto.
At the conclusion of the investigative activities, the preliminary investigation judge issued eight further precautionary custody orders in prison against other alleged members of the organisation. Searches were ordered against 33 individuals under investigation for, variously, association aimed at drug trafficking, production, trafficking and illicit possession of drugs, receiving stolen goods, money laundering and possession of illegal weapons.
Assets reconstructed: €1.1 million seized
Parallel to the investigation into drug trafficking, the Trieste Economic and Financial Police Unit analysed financial flows, current accounts, investments, real estate and bank deposits of those under investigation, quantifying at €1.1 million the proceeds believed to derive from the illicit activity. By order of the Milan Prosecutor's Office, an emergency precautionary seizure was therefore executed on real estate, motor vehicles, jewellery, cash and financial assets.
During the concluding searches another person was arrested in flagrante delicto for possession of illegal weapons. Also seized were 7.2 kilograms of already packaged marijuana, two pistols with obliterated serial number, ammunition, ten bladed weapons, luxury watches and cash in Italian and foreign currency.
Source: Google News IT — Crime (it)