Latina, a criminal network smuggling opioids and drugs has been dismantled: nine arrests.

An operation carried out by the Carabinieri of the NAS of Latina with support in the executive phase of the NAS of Rome, the Provincial Command of Latina, the Helicopter Unit of Pratica di Mare and the dog units of Santa Maria di Galeria. An impressive display of forces that carried out nine precautionary custody orders, Of which five in prison e four under house arrest, on behalf of the investigating judge of the Court of Latina and under the constant coordination of the local Public Prosecutor's Office.

The investigation, launched in October 2023, stemmed from checks on the proper dispensing of drugs in some Pontine pharmacies. It was during that phase that the military discovered fake medical prescriptions relating to narcotic medicines based on oxycodone, a powerful opioid painkiller used in healthcare to treat severe pain, often related to cancer or chronic conditions. Drugs of this type, which can only be prescribed with a special prescription, are extremely delicate because the their effect, higher than that of morphine, can bring easily to addiction and abuseIt is no coincidence that they are also in high demand on the illicit market, where they are inappropriately taken for the euphoric effects they can cause.

Subsequent investigations allowed us to reconstruct the mechanism by which the suspects procured these medicines through the presentation of counterfeit recipes anduse of false identity documents, they managed to obtain supplies from pharmacies in the provinces of Rome and Latina. In the monitored period, between October 2023 and February 2024, approximately two thousand tablets were stolen, then resold on the black market for approximately 15 euros each, for a total of illicit profit estimated at over 30 thousand euros.

The investigation also revealed a further level of criminal activity. Some members of the network were not limited to trafficking opioid drugs, but were also involved in cocaine dealing, creating a double distribution channel. Thanks to telephone interceptions, environmental and video recordings, the NAS Carabinieri were able to outline structures and hierarchies, documenting theexistence of a structured group capable of moving simultaneously on two frontsOn the one hand, the distribution of highly abuseable painkillers; on the other, the trafficking of cocaine in the area.

According to what has emerged, the organization not only guaranteed huge profits to the suspects, but also represented a concrete danger to public healthThe uncontrolled spread of these drugs, intended for strictly medical use and reserved for serious cases, exposes in fact to serious risks of addiction, overdose and irreversible damage for those who take them without medical supervision.

During the searches carried out in conjunction with the operation, the Carabinieri seized several items deemed to be of investigative importance. In particular, several items were found. 25 grams of hashish-type narcotic substance and several doses of marijuana, fake medical prescriptions prescribing oxycodone-based drugs, various packages of narcotic drugs, in addition to a mobile phone and a personal computer on which files intended for the drafting of counterfeit prescriptionsOn an iPhone, however, the military found images attributable to a fake identity document, presumably used for the illicit procurement of medicines.

The complex of seizures confirms the articulation of thecriminal activity, which was not limited to document falsification and illicit trade in drugs with a high risk of abuse, but it was also accompanied by the possession of narcotic substances of various types, outlining an overall picture of danger and social alarm.

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