FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Italian authorities have dismantled a drug trafficking gang operating on the Foggia-Albania route.
According to Italian media, 24 people have been arrested, 19 of them are under the security measure of "prison arrest", while 5 others are under "house arrest".
These persons are suspected of involvement in the trafficking, possession and distribution of narcotics.
The investigation began with the surveillance of a 36-year-old Albanian citizen with a criminal record, who is believed by investigators to be the key and driving force behind cocaine trafficking in the Foggia area.
The Albanian, with an operational base located in the city, is suspected of managing the wholesale purchase of drugs, imported through the channels of compatriots located in Northern Italy.
The individuals involved in the illegal activity are Italian, Albanian, Georgian and Romanian citizens, aged between 23 and 61.
Profits of 200 thousand euros per month
The criminal network was able to smuggle between 5 and 10 kilograms of cocaine into the province of Foggia per month. The drug, purchased for over 22 euros per gram, was resold on the open market for between 30 and 50 euros per gram, depending on the quantities requested. The organization's monthly profits are estimated at approximately 200,000 euros.
During the investigation, the high quality of the substance being handled was revealed, with the drug found to be 96% pure.
The suspects used secure warehouses to store and package the drugs, which were almost always delivered “clean”. Furthermore, the tracking and surveillance of couriers led to the identification of seven suspects residing in the province of Parma, who allegedly created an additional independent drug trafficking network with an even larger turnover.
To evade checks, the arrested used sophisticated tactics, including hiding the drugs in cars with fake tails and using encrypted chat apps for communication. The transfer of the proceeds, destined for Albania, was also under scrutiny: it was carried out through bus and truck drivers. During one such transfer in January, the Carabinieri seized 40,000 euros in cash at a rest area on the SS 16 motorway.
At the same time as the execution of the precautionary measures, the Carabinieri issued nine orders for preliminary hearings for nine suspects under investigation for the same crimes.
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