Benevento – An arrest has been made in the Naples area for the theft of cancer and life-saving drugs committed on the night of January 3, 2023, from the Benevento Local Health Authority (ASL) pharmacy, located inside the Sant'Agata de' Goti hospital. According to the investigation, the man allegedly acted in concert with other members of a group believed to specialize in robberies targeting hospital pharmacies.
The operation was carried out by Carabinieri from the Benevento Provincial Command as part of an investigation coordinated by the Sannio Prosecutor's Office. Investigators believe the arrested man is seriously suspected of the aggravated crime of stealing very expensive medicines, which were subsequently intended for resale on the black market.
The robbery in the hospital pharmacy
According to reports, the gang entered the Sant'Agata de' Goti healthcare facility after forcing entry. Investigators believe the criminals first tore down the iron grate protecting an exterior window, then forced open the bathroom fixture, thus gaining entry to the pharmacy.
Once inside, the group allegedly emptied three refrigerators, taking all the medications stored there, particularly drugs intended for the treatment of cancer and rare diseases. The total value of the stolen goods was estimated at around €280.
The gang system and the black market
The investigations, according to the prosecution, uncovered the existence of a group systematically engaged in the theft of high-cost pharmaceuticals in various regions of Italy. This criminal activity allegedly caused significant damage to the National Health Service by stealing essential medicines for patients suffering from serious illnesses.
According to the Benevento Prosecutor's Office, the group apparently operated according to a well-established modus operandi. Before the robberies, they conducted technical inspections to study the defense systems of hospital pharmacies; then, cameras were neutralized with cardboard boxes, alarm sensors were shielded with aluminum trays, and telephone cables were severed before forcing entry with crowbars and other burglary tools.
For operational communications, the suspects allegedly used dedicated telephone numbers, so-called "intercom phones," registered to front men and used exclusively to organize the thefts.
Coordination between prosecutors
A crucial step for investigators was the investigative coordination with the Reggio Calabria Public Prosecutor's Office. This synergy, according to the Prosecutor's Office's statement, allowed them to document the convergence of criminal interests and strengthen the evidence against multiple individuals involved in the investigation.
The investigation remains open and now aims to clarify further responsibilities and ramifications of the group, believed to be active in the illicit trafficking of life-saving drugs stolen from public facilities.
This seems like important news, but it leaves some doubts. The group appears to have operated with a consolidated modus operandi, and hospital pharmacies have been emptied. More controls, surveillance, and discipline are needed; medications for cancer patients are in short supply, and the National Health Service is suffering. Let's hope the prosecutors coordinate better and find those responsible.