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| Agents while taking out of the submarine the cocaine |
Recent encrypted discussions intercepted by Sky Ecc and Encrochat have exposed two criminal groups in Naples, including individuals of Albanian nationality. According to Italian antimafia investigations, the primary drug supply routes for the Camorra were traced from the Netherlands and Spain into Italy through land routes. The traffickers employed tactics such as using ambulances for street-level drug trade to avoid detection, while submarines were utilized for maritime crossings. This mode of transportation was considered the safest by criminal organizations.
Details revealed through wiretapped conversations of an Albanian boss, one of the 29 individuals arrested in this operation, shed light on the intricacies of the drug trafficking network. In 2021, while communicating with another Albanian who had recently arrived in Naples, the boss reflected on the risk of drug-filled bags being easily discovered by drug-sniffing dogs; Euronews reports.
Cocaine was predominantly transported in large bags within containers, and for the Albanian traffickers, containers, and submarines proved to be the ideal solution.
"Underwater is 100% safe, but this can only be done from Panama," he stated in the wiretapped conversation.
It is believed that this communication provided investigators with insights into the new method of drug trafficking, as already uncovered by the ongoing Italian police investigation led by the Public Prosecutor's Office in Naples.
Land-Based Trafficking Tactics:
The intercepted discussions disclosed the intricate strategies employed by criminal organizations in transporting narcotics over land. The use of ambulances, disguised as emergency medical vehicles, allowed traffickers to operate in plain sight. By blending in with legitimate medical services, they aimed to avoid arousing suspicion while conducting drug transactions on the streets of Naples.
Maritime Trafficking Strategies:
The wiretapped conversations further unveiled the use of submarines for the maritime transportation of drugs. The boss emphasized the high level of security afforded by underwater routes and hinted at Panama being a crucial hub for such operations. This revelation sheds light on the international dimensions of the drug trade and the strategic planning involved in choosing secure transit routes.
Challenges and Consequences:
While criminal organizations continuously evolve their tactics, law enforcement agencies are leveraging advanced surveillance and intelligence-gathering methods to counter these activities. The arrest of 29 individuals, including the Albanian boss, demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between Italian authorities and international partners in dismantling drug trafficking networks.
Conclusion:
The recent revelations regarding Albanian involvement in Italian drug trafficking networks highlight the adaptability and sophistication of criminal organizations. The intercepted discussions provide valuable insights into the strategies employed by traffickers to circumvent law enforcement. As investigations continue, authorities remain vigilant in disrupting such illicit activities and safeguarding communities from the detrimental effects of drug trafficking.