Reggio Calabria: Drug factory dismantled, 1800 marijuana plants and over 170 kg of narcotics seized

The operation began in the hamlet Rosali of Reggio Calabria, during a check aimed at repressing illegal connections to the electricity grid, carried out by the Carabinieri from the local station with the support of specialized personnel.

During the service, the soldiers discovered a illegal connection that supplied power to an agricultural shed. Suspicious of the situation, they deepened their checks and inside the structure they found a large cultivation of marijuana, with a sophisticated lighting and ventilation system to promote plant growth.

The two owners declared that it was cannabis sativa intended for the so-called “cannabis light” market, but subsequent investigations proved otherwise.

The survey

To verify the legality of the cultivation, the following tests were activated: soldiers of the Carabinieri Forestali Group of Reggio Calabria, who took samples and carried out tests on the substance.

The samples taken were subjected to analysis at the laboratories of the Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria, which detected a THC value higher than the legal limits. This confirmed that the substance found was a narcotic.

The kidnapping

Having ascertained the illicit nature of the plantation, the military proceeded to seizure of the entire production plant. Inside the shed were found three greenhouses containing a total of 1800 plants at different stages of growth.

Furthermore, a room used as a grow room, equipped with halogen lamps, fans, timers and thermal mats to ensure optimal conditions for cultivation.

In addition to the plantation, they were seized sixteen bags containing already dried marijuana and ready for marketing, for a total weight of over 170 kilograms.

Arrest him

The two owners of the structure were arrested for electricity theft, having created an illegal connection to supply the cultivation plant. Furthermore, they were reported at liberty for the crime of cultivation and illicit possession of narcotic substances.

The fight against drug trafficking

This operation highlights the importance of monitoring cannabis cultivation, a sector in which illicit activities often lie hidden.

Drug trafficking still represents one of the main problems of the national territory, requiring constant commitment from the police to combat its spread.

The synergy between the different investigative units and the use of scientific instruments for the analysis of the substances are fundamental to identify and dismantle these criminal networks.

Collaboration with the University

A key element to the success of the operation was the collaboration between the Carabinieri and the Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria.

Thanks to an agreement signed in March 2022, a research and control program on the legal cannabis supply chain has been activated, with particular attention to verifying the THC content. This synergy allows for greater control of the sector and to quickly identify any violations of current legislation.