Vicenza, Nigerian criminal organization dismantled: 20 arrests for international cocaine and heroin trafficking.

On behalf of the Venice Public Prosecutor's Office, the Carabinieri of the Provincial Command of Vicenza have carried out aprecautionary custody order in prison towards 20 Nigerian citizens, aged between 25 and 57 years, seriously suspected of belonging to a transnational criminal organization dedicated to trafficking cocaine and heroin, with its operational base in the capital city of Berico.

A structured organization rooted in the territory

The investigations, conducted by the Carabinieri Company of Vicenza, have allowed to ascertain the existence of acomplex criminal organization, classifiable pursuant to art. 74 of Presidential Decree 309/90, composed of individuals permanently dedicated to dealing of narcotic substances.

The group guaranteed:

• un constant supply of drugs from Netherlands

• a widespread distribution in the main drug dealing squares of Vicenza and province

• la spread of the drug to other areas

The leader of the syndicate, identified during the investigation, handled contacts with the Dutch supplier and organized the shipments.

Ovulation couriers and weekly imports

The importation of drugs took place through ovulatory couriers (“body packer”), who ingested the ovules containing cocaine or heroin and reached the national territory by travelling from France towards Italy through the border of Ventimiglia, on board passenger trains.

The operational scheme followed an almost weekly:

• Each courier carried approximately 1 kg of drugs

• the substance was divided into heat-sealed ovules by 11 grams

• on each ovule was imprinted the final buyer's initials, useful for tracing the distribution network

All the subjects addressed by the ordinance are involved in the local redistribution of the drug.

The investigation allowed us to define a clear hierarchy, composed by: Dutch supplier, responsible for sending the narcotic, Italian promoter, responsible for coordination, ovulatory couriers, "body" transport workers, Local distributors, responsible for packaging and distribution.

Significant documented episodes

During the technical activities and observation services, the Carabinieri documented numerous episodes.

Among the most relevant:

• April 2025 – Padua Station: 34 year old woman arrested with 1,1kg of cocaine (110 eggs) hidden in the bra, arrived in Italy from France.

• September 2024 – Camponogara: seized 46 cocaine eggs (about 500 grams), some just thrown down the drain to evade inspection.
•  September 2024 – Vicenza Station: a 35 year old courier was stopped with 20 ovules of cocaine, 18 of which were ingested and then expelled to the hospital.

Cryptic language and the association's accounting

Investigators have decoded the cryptic language used by the group: “TOP” = cocaine, “SPA” = heroin, “Shorts” = 5 gram doses, “Candy sheets” = cash.

The kidnapping of accounting notebooks has allowed us to document a high volume of business, with international transfers towards Nigerian accounts for tens of thousands of euros.

The investigating judge has ordered the pre-trial detention in prison for all the suspects, underlining their dangerous professionalism and the concrete risk of escape.

The operation was carried out with the support of: Carabinieri from all the Commands of the Veneto, Mobile and Special Units, Anti-Drug Canine Unit, of the Helicopter Unit

Air cover was also provided during operations.

THEOperation “Marshall” represents a significant result in the fight against international drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations, confirming the Carabinieri's constant commitment to protecting the territory and the community.

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