From Naples to Sassari with drugs in their stomachs: 16 alleged traffickers arrested

The drugs traveled from one city to another, hidden in the couriers' bodies. Heroin and cocaine were apparently transported in the abdominal cavity using the body packing technique, used by investigators to describe the system employed by the so-called "ovulators."

This is one of the elements at the heart of the major operation by the Carabinieri of Sassari, which led to the execution of 16 precautionary measures against as many alleged members of a criminal gang believed to be active in drug dealing in the historic center of the Sardinian city.

The investigation, coordinated by the Public Prosecutor's Office and conducted by the Operational Section of the Operational and Radiomobile Unit of the Sassari Company, began in January 2023 and is believed to have reconstructed a drug supply network with connections in several Italian cities.

The cocaine and heroin route

According to the prosecution's reconstruction, the drugs destined for Sassari arrived via couriers from Rome, Naples, Turin, Milan, and Padua.

The arrests were made in the provinces of Sassari, Catania, Genoa, Lecce, Como, and Caltanissetta, confirming the territorial breadth of the investigation.

The group, which investigators believe was composed primarily of foreign nationals, gradually gained a prominent position in the city center's drug market, focusing primarily on the sale of heroin and cocaine and, to a lesser extent, marijuana.

Lookouts and supporters in the historic center

A network of local lookouts and supporters would have allowed the group to control drug dealing activities and protect its squares.

The collaborators were allegedly rewarded with doses of narcotics. In other cases, according to investigations, threats and physical violence were also used to resolve disputes or enforce control of the business.

The charges concern the possession of narcotics for the purpose of dealing, with the aggravating circumstances of the large quantity and the sale near schools.

Thousands of sales and one million euros

Video surveillance, wiretaps, surveillance, and surveillance services allowed investigators to document, according to the prosecution, several thousand drug deals.

The overall turnover reconstructed by investigators was estimated to be around one million euros.

During the investigation, over 2,5 kilos of cocaine, approximately 2,5 kilos of heroin, and half a kilo of marijuana were seized.

Furthermore, since January 2023, another 10 people have been arrested in flagrante delicto, while two individuals have been reported at large for drug possession for the purpose of dealing.

Thirty searches

The operation didn't stop with the 16 precautionary measures. The Carabinieri also served 45 notices of conclusion of preliminary investigations and are conducting approximately 30 house searches.

The checks involve several municipalities, including Sassari, Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, Turin, Reggio Emilia, Ceres, Selargius, Foggia, Vigodarzere, San Macario di Samarate, and Rovigo.

During the searches, sums of money and additional quantities of narcotics were reportedly found and seized. The material is now being examined by investigators.

The 11th Carabinieri Helicopter Unit of Elmas, the “Sardegna” Helicopter Hunter Squadron and the Canine Units also took part in the operation.