A daring chase through the streets of the centre of Mondragone kept residents in suspense during the night between Thursday and Friday.
Two drug dealers, aboard two Smart Fortwos, attempted a desperate escape from the carabinieri, resulting in a high-speed race that culminated in their arrest. The two, now in prison, will have to answer to serious charges: production, trafficking and illicit possession of narcotic or psychotropic substances in competition, as well as resisting a public official.
It all started shortly before 03:00 am, when the military personnel of the Operational and Radiomobile Unit of the Mondragone Territorial Department intercepted the two cars speeding along Viale Europa.
At the sight of the patrol, which had activated sirens, flashing lights and signal paddles, the drivers not only ignored the stop, but pressed on the accelerator, unleashing a movie-like chase through the streets of the city.
The Smarts, ignoring traffic regulations, drove the wrong way down Via Caio Duilio, then separated at Piazza Liberato Conte, on the seafront, in an attempt to lose the carabinieri.
As one of the cars continued at breakneck speed north along Via Lungomare, the military received reinforcements: a patrol from the Mondragone Carabinieri Station and a second radio car joined the hunt.
After more than 13 minutes of pursuit, the first Smart was stopped at the intersection of Viale Europa and Viale Kennedy, where the Carabinieri had blocked the road. The driver, instead of surrendering, attempted to ram the military vehicle, forcing the military to suddenly reverse to avoid the collision.
The escape, however, ended shortly after in Viale Italia, at number 58: the man, having lost control due to high speed, hit the pavement, overturning several times for over 25 metres.
Despite the accident, the fugitive tried to escape on foot, attempting to climb over the gate of a private home. The carabinieri, however, caught up with him and immobilized him.
This is a 31-year-old from Mondragone, known to the police for previous convictions related to criminal association, extortion and drug trafficking. Rescued and transported to the hospital in Caserta, he tested positive for alcohol and toxicology tests.
At the same time, the second fugitive was intercepted in Piazza Falcone, along Viale Margherita. The man, a local repeat offender with a criminal record related to drugs, seeing himself with no way out, stopped his Smart and, getting out of the vehicle, attempted to attack the soldiers, who promptly stopped him.
During the search, the carabinieri seized 23 doses of cocaine hidden in his underwear and 800 euros in cash, believed to be the proceeds of drug dealing.
Both arrested, after the formal procedures, were transferred to the Santa Maria Capua Vetere prison, awaiting the direct trial. An operation that demonstrates the commitment of the Carabinieri in the fight against drug trafficking, in a night that Mondragone will not easily forget.
Article published on March 8, 2025 - 13pm
it was a very strange thing what happened in mondragone, i didn't expect such a fast car ride. i wonder how they manage to escape from the carabinieri, yet it happens often.