Canicattì, “Agro Corrige” operation: cannabis was hidden in a vineyard, 2.400 plants seized

Canicattì, the activity of the state police aimed at repressing the cultivation and dealing of narcotic substances is incessant.

The Flying Squad directed by VQA Giovanni Minardi and the Canicattì police station under the command of Chief Commissioner Francesco Sammartino, after careful stalking and observation services, arrested 36-year-old BGS from Licate, for possession and cultivation for the purposes of dealing cannabis and port illegal firearm and common ammunition.

In response to investigative information activities of the Canicattì police station, it was identified an illegal cannabis plantation in a land located in the Corrige Sanfilippo district, Canicattì countryside, carefully hidden in a vineyard equipped with a special irrigation system.

It was subsequently established that the cultivation consisted of approximately 4.200 marijuana plants with a total gross weight of over 2 tons for a value of approximately €250.000.

The subject was blocked and disarmed inside the rural farmhouse in the same area, as he had a cal. 7,65, equipped with magazine with 7 cartridges.

In the same building the staff seized approximately 3 kg of dried inflorescences, kg. 3,750 grams of dried foliage and 700 grams of leafless shrubs.

Furthermore, a bag containing n. 36 cartridges of the same caliber as the gun and a precision scale, as well as an Iveco van with a body equipped with a hydraulic tail lift, parked in the plot of land, probably used for the transport of the narcotic substance.

Following the arrest, the operators were waiting for the light of dawn to begin eradicating the plants.

Considering the extent of the land, the large quantity of narcotic substance found, the scorching temperature and the logistical layout of the plantation, the activity of collecting the narcotic substance continued uninterruptedly for approximately 12 hours, requiring the enormous physical effort of approximately 20 police officers.

In order to speed up the eradication and transport operations of the narcotic substance, we made use of the active collaboration of the mayor of Canicattì and the manager of the municipality's protection and environment sector, who made men and means available.

After completing the formalities, the arrested person was placed under house arrest and is currently at the disposal of the judicial authorities.