Major anti-drug operation between Venice and Padua: 14 arrests and over 700 thousand euros seized.

On behalf of the Venice Public Prosecutor's Office, this morning the Carabinieri of the Venice Investigative Unit, with the support of specialized units and international police forces, carried out precautionary measures in the provinces of Venice and PaduaThe operation, coordinated with the authorities of Albania, Germany and Spain, led to the arrest of 14 people (6 Italians and 8 Albanians), accused of drug dealing and extortion.

The survey conducted from November 2022 to December 2023 through traditional observation services, technical activities and economic-financial assessments, has allowed us to identify a criminal group dedicated to drug dealing between the provinces of Venice, Padua and Treviso, with an operational base in Mira (VE).

Incidents of have been documented extortion in a violent manner against consumers who they had not paid for the drug. On one occasion, a real rally was organised “punitive expedition” at the home of a man who had not paid for the drugs. It was doused in ethyl alcohol and tied to a chair, and then they have it threatened to set it on fire if he didn't pay 5 thousand eurosThe timely intervention of the Carabinieri, activated by the man's partner, averted the tragic epilogue.

They have rebuilt a turnover of approximately 150 thousand euros monthly, resulting from the retail sale of cocaine pure, at a cost of 100 euros per gram. It was sold with the help of drug dealers and there were also people who made available warehouses and houses for the storage of narcotics.

The Carabinieri seized manuscripts relating to the reporting of drug dealing activities and ascertained the earnings of criminal activity, equal to 723.500,00 euros, immediately seized.

During the investigation, approximately 1,5kg of cocaine and 2 people were arrested in flagrante delicto for possession of drugs for the purpose of dealing.

Of the suspects, 11 have been translated in jail, 1 subjected to the arrest e 2 to residence obligations.