An international drug trafficking organization, composed mainly of Albanian citizens, has been hit by Italian authorities during the operation codenamed “Caveau 38”.
Investigations by the Guardia di Finanza in Lecco uncovered a network suspected of transporting and distributing large quantities of drugs between Albania, the Netherlands, Germany and Italy.
The investigation began after checks on a group distributing narcotics in public parks in Cernusco Lombardone and Merate. Further verification revealed a wider structure of international trafficking.
As part of the operation, 52 people have been placed under investigation, while six were arrested in flagrante. Authorities seized around 32 kilograms of cocaine, heroin and marijuana, as well as 1.5 million euros in cash.
During the checks, eight kilograms of melted gold ingots were also discovered at the facilities of two precious metals processing companies in Milan and Alessandria.
According to the investigations, during the period 2019-2022, at least 250 kilograms of cocaine are suspected to have been transported to Northern Italy. In the opposite direction, towards Albania, around 14 million euros derived from criminal activity are suspected to have been transferred.
One of the group’s bases was located in an apartment in Burago Molgora, where money was kept before being transported to Albania. The “Caveau 38” operation took its name from the number 38 of this apartment’s address.
The drugs and money were allegedly transported in special compartments of vehicles and trucks. Members also used codes, symbols and marked banknotes.
The investigation was coordinated by the Milan Anti-Mafia Prosecutor’s Office, with the involvement of Italian structures and SPAK investigators in Tirana.