Italian Police Conduct Massive Operation, Arrest 12 Albanians and Italians Involved in Drug Trafficking

 Carabinieri in Rome, source: Carabinieri di Roma

The Italian police conducted a massive operation, in which 12 Albanians and Italians were arrested in Rome, suspected of being involved in drug trafficking. The operation involved police forces from Rome and Reggio Calabria, who were investigating large-scale drug trafficking activities, with bases located in Rocha di Papa, Monte Compatri, Grottaferrata, and Rosarno, in this community, in the province of Reggio Calabria.

According to Italian media, the 'Pilot' gang was behind the operation 'Tritone', carried out by the special police forces of Rome, which in early 2022 led to 65 arrests and had a significant impact on 'Ndrangheta-n' in Anzio and Nettuno. The group was not just involved in drug trafficking, but also in the political life of the area and the control of economic activities and local contracts.

During this operation, documents were found showing how one of the 'Ndrangheta' members imported a large quantity of drugs from America and the South and then trafficked them between Anzio, Nettuno, Rocha di Papa, and Grottaferrata. Here they would have established business with the associations represented by the 12 arrested people.

The group also had the availability of a private pilot and a private helicopter located in the town of Nettuno. To avoid detection, the two used coded smartphones and drones, which were periodically updated to disrupt the installation of surveillance cameras.

Drug trafficking investments were not only invested in the purchase of other drug groups but also in the purchase of public spaces in Rome and in the organization of festivals. During the operation, in addition to the arrested persons, other individuals were also arrested.