William Molinié / Photo credits: JORGE BERNAL / AFP 6:25 a.m., March 22, 2024
The “XXL net space” operation continues in Marseille. Latest report to date, inconclusive for the moment: more than 20 kg of cannabis and almost 1 kg of cocaine. But where does the cocaine sold at deal points in Marseille and the South-East region come from? Part of it, manufactured in South America, reaches the European continent via Italy.
The “XXL square net” operation against drug trafficking continues in Marseille. If for the moment the results are inconclusive, we can wonder about the origin of this drug. A part, manufactured in South America, arrives in Europe via Italy. A road placed under active surveillance by specialist investigators. Seizures from the Italian boot are on the rise.
“Italy has become a major gateway for cocaine into Europe”
In 2018, Italian police seized four tonnes of cocaine. Four years later, 26 tonnes, seven times more. 84% of interceptions take place in the south of the country, in Calabria, where the mafia has its headquarters. N'Draghetta is well established in the port of Gioia Tauro, which alone accounts for eight out of ten national seizures. Last year, nearly three tonnes of cocaine were intercepted there in a shipment of bananas.
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In France too, seizures from Italy are increasing. In a note, which Europe 1 obtained, the judicial police wrote it in black and white: “Italy has become a major gateway for cocaine into Europe”. Last summer, customs officers got their hands on 16 kg of cocaine in Narbonne and Thionville. The drugs were hidden in cars registered in Italy.
In Marseille, nearly 100 kg were recently discovered in the luggage of Brazilian nationals. They were on board their cruise ship, coming from Italy, and making a stopover in the port of the Marseille city.