Bari, international drug trafficking with a turnover of over 7 million euros. 8 arrests between Italy and Albania. Weapons, ammunition and drugs seized

The Carabinieri of the Provincial Command of Bari, with the support of the military of Barletta, of the Squadron of the Carabinieri Helicopter Hunters of Puglia, of the 6th Carabinieri Helicopter Unit and of the Modugno dog unit, they carried out a precautionary measure, issued by the investigating judge of the Court of Bari at the request of the local Public Prosecutor's Office District Anti-Mafia Directorate, against 8 suspects, for association aimed at international drug trafficking between Albania and Italy.

According to the accusatory approach accepted by the investigating judge (subject to the evaluation in subsequent phases with the contribution of the defense), the criminal organization, composed of 15 suspects, of which 6 arrested during the investigation phase of the activity and 8 arrested today, is considered responsible for being active in drug trafficking and, in particular, for having supplied large quantities of cocaine and marijuana between March and August 2023 through international channels, including Albania, Spain and Northern European countries. The narcotics were then transported to Puglia, the region where the organization's main logistical bases were established. From here, the drugs were distributed both in the same region and in neighboring areas, feeding the drug dealing areas thanks to the collaboration of Italian accomplices linked to local criminal organizations, including the area corresponding to the Scampia neighborhood of Naples, for an overall turnover estimated at over one million euros per month.

In particular, the investigation, developed following the stabbing of a Moroccan citizen, which occurred in Viareggio (LU) in October 2022, led to the discovery of a vast international drug trafficking network, whose routes also involved Spain, Belgium and Germany. The operational hub of the organization was identified in Albania, where the strategic coordination of operations was concentrated. Thanks to wiretaps, investigators were able to reconstruct the entire structure of the criminal group, outlining the roles of each member. Among the protagonists, Albanian drug traffickers stand out, particularly active in managing the routes between Albania and Puglia, thus consolidating a fundamental logistical axis for drug trafficking.

The investigations have allowed us to reveal not only the transnational scope of the phenomenon, but also the operating methods of an organisation as sophisticated as it is deep-rooted., Indeed:

– the main operational bases of the group were located in the cities of Barletta, Modugno and Mola di Bari;

– local trustees were responsible for storing the drugs in warehouses before distributing them in the Pugliese area;

– the group could count on stable buyers, responsible for distribution in specific drug dealing areas;

– the proceeds from drug sales were transferred to Albania.

During the investigative activities, conducted by the military of the Carabinieri Investigative Unit of Bari and directed by the District Anti-Mafia Directorate, numerous observation services and technical activities were carried out, related to verification activities, which allowed the arrest of six suspects and the seizure of over 15 kg. of cocaine, 2 kg. of marijuana, weapons and ammunition, including three pistols and ammunition of various calibers. In addition, during the enforcement phase, 15 thousand euros in cash were seized from one of the suspects, believed to be the proceeds of the illegal activity.

The circumstantial framework collected by the Carabinieri against the suspects was shared by the Public Prosecutor's Office of Bari which made a request for the issuance of a precautionary measure. The investigating judge of the Court of Bari, accepting the request, ordered the arrest of the suspects, eight of whom are in prison and one under house arrest.