Italian-Albanian drug network dismantled: 98 kilograms of drugs seized, 16 arrests
The Financial Guard of Trieste has dismantled a criminal organisation that trafficked narcotics from Albania to northern and central Italy. In the operation, nearly 100 kilograms of drugs, firearms and goods worth 1.1 million euros were seized.
Italian-Albanian drug network dismantled: 98 kilograms of drugs seized, 16 arrests
The Financial Guard of Trieste has broken up an international criminal organisation engaged in the trafficking of narcotics from Albania, through the Balkans, into Italy. The drugs were then distributed to various cities in the north and centre of the country, as well as to seaside resorts frequented by tourists.
The investigation, codenamed "King George" and coordinated by the anti-mafia prosecutor's office in Milan, was launched following the arrest of two drug dealers near Latisana, in possession of two kilograms of marijuana. Subsequent investigations made it possible to reconstruct the outline of a sprawling criminal network, active also in Lombardy and Liguria.
In the concluding phase of the operation, law enforcement seized a total of 98.7 kilograms of drugs: 77.7 kilograms of marijuana and 21 kilograms of cocaine. Three pistols with obliterated serial numbers were also discovered, along with various bladed weapons, vehicles, cash and other goods with a total estimated value of approximately 1.1 million euros. Thirty-five people were reported to the authorities, of whom 16 were arrested.
Investigators monitored the movements of suspects for several months, analysing their communications and movements. Members of the association attempted to evade controls by using encrypted communication channels and frequently changing SIM cards and mobile phones.
The narcotics — marijuana, hashish and cocaine — were brought into Italy from Albania, then stored in flats and garages. Part of the substance was cultivated directly in purpose-built facilities in the Pavia area. A dense network of couriers handled distribution, whilst individual drug dealers operating in Italian territory were rotated every few months.
The drugs were sold in numerous cities, including Brescia, Lecco, Siena, Monza, Pavia and Savona. During the summer tourist season, trade also extended to Sistiana, Grado, Jesolo, Caorle, Bibione and Latisana, localities characterised by a lively nightlife scene and developed hotel facilities.
Source: OBALAplus
Source: Google News SI — Crime (sl)