Parma, 580 grammes of cocaine hidden in wardrobe at reception centre: 33-year-old Tunisian arrested
The Mobile Squad of Parma arrested on 1 July an asylum seeker from Tunisia found with 580 g of cocaine at the reception centre in Oltretorrente.
Cocaine hidden among clothes at Oltretorrente reception centre
The State Police arrested on 1 July a 33-year-old Tunisian citizen for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. As reported by questure.poliziadistato.it, the substance — 580 grammes divided into seven packages — was concealed in the pockets and hood of two items of clothing stored in a wardrobe at the extraordinary reception centre (CAS) in Oltretorrente, Parma.
The man, with no criminal record and an applicant for international protection, entered Italy at the end of 2024 and had been a resident of the facility since April 2025.
Reports and surveillance activity
The investigation began with multiple reports indicating the driver of a grey car as the suspected perpetrator of intense drug dealing activity near the CAS. Officers from the Mobile Squad initiated targeted surveillance activity, identifying the suspect as he travelled along several streets in the city centre in his own vehicle.
During the check, the man displayed suspicious behaviour, leading officers to carry out a personal search. The operation made it possible to find two mobile telephones, keys and 730 euros in cash, divided into notes of various denominations.
Search extended to reception centre
The investigators then extended the search to the room shared with other foreign nationals inside the CAS, where the 33-year-old had exclusive use of a wardrobe. It was there that the 580 grammes of cocaine were found and seized, packaged in seven packages — two of which were marked with the numbers "25" and "50", presumably indicative of weight.
The quantity corresponds to approximately 600 doses, with an estimated retail value of nearly 60,000 euros. Along with the drug, the two mobile telephones and the cash were seized, considered to be related to the drug dealing activity.
Validation of arrest and preventative custody
The 33-year-old was placed under arrest in flagrante delicto pursuant to art. 73, paragraph 1, of D.P.R. 309/1990. By order of the duty Public Prosecutor, he was taken to Parma Prison pending a validation hearing, which took place on Saturday. The judge validated the arrest and ordered the measure of preventative imprisonment.
The Police Headquarters specifies that the criminal responsibility of the person under investigation will be established definitively only at the conclusion of proceedings.
Source: Google News IT — Crime (it)