The Court of Palermo has handed down verdicts in what is regarded as the largest anti-drug operation ever recorded in the Mediterranean. The case dates back to 2023, when Italian authorities seized 5 tons of cocaine worth approximately €1 billion at Porto Empedocle.
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| Cocaine seized in large packages, source: Guardia di Finanza, Palermo |
Sentences Delivered
Judge Marco Gaeta sentenced the Russian captain of the Plutus, Viktor Dyachenko, and Vincenzo Catalano, commander of the fishing vessel, to 16 years in prison each. Meanwhile, three crew members also faced significant sentences: Tunisian Kamel Thamlaoui received 14 years, and Albanian Elvis Lleshaj along with Tunisian Samj Mejri were each sentenced to 12 years.
In addition to the prison terms, the court imposed fines of €100,000 on the two commanders and €80,000 on each crew member. Following their sentences, the captain and crew members will be deported from Italy.
How the Bust Unfolded
The drug seizure was made possible by the intervention of Palermo’s Economic and Financial Police Unit. Authorities intercepted the cocaine as it was being transferred from the Plutus, which operated under the flag of Palau, to the fishing vessel Ferdinando D’Aragona.
The shipment had a complex journey, originating in Central America and passing through Santo Domingo, Trinidad and Tobago, Las Palmas in Spain, and finally reaching the Strait of Sicily. The cocaine was intercepted while en route to Turkey.
A Blow to International Drug Trafficking
This operation represents a significant blow to international drug trafficking networks, showcasing Italy’s ability to combat organized crime on a global scale. The harsh sentences reflect the gravity of the crimes and the immense societal harm posed by the trafficking of such a large quantity of drugs