Rome - In a concerted operation, special security forces took control of the Quarticciolo district of Rome yesterday. The aim of the operation was to dismantle local structures in the illegal drug trade, which has long been a problem in this part of the Italian capital. The operation was led by the Compagnia Roma Casilina and received prominent support from paratroopers of the 1st Regiment „Tuscania“. This cooperation is part of an overarching security strategy that was developed in close consultation with the public prosecutor's office and the Prefect of Rome, Lamberto Giannini.
Elite operation against drug trafficking in a pincer grip
The officers used a so-called „pincer tactic“ in which all strategically important entrances to the known drug transshipment points were sealed off at the same time. This lightning raid throughout the day proved to be extremely effective: the wave of arrests rolled across the neighborhood so quickly that it led to curious scenes. At times, queues of up to 20 potential customers formed, waiting in vain for vendors to become available, as almost all of the dealers had already been arrested. A total of 18 suspects were handcuffed. The detainees include three Italian nationals and 14 people of North and Central African origin, all of whom were already known to the police. Another person was arrested on the basis of an existing warrant for similar offenses.
Masses of drugs and weapons seized
During the various raids, in which five suspects attempted to flee on foot, the police were able to secure considerable quantities of narcotics. Thanks to the quick intervention of the „Tuscania“ soldiers, the escape attempts were quickly stopped. Investigators seized more than 500 doses of cocaine and crack cocaine. Some of the drugs were found directly on the people, others were found in professionally designed hiding places between the blocks of flats or thrown out of windows when the officers arrived. In addition to the narcotics, the carabinieri also seized a blank-firing pistol and a folding knife. The security authorities have announced that they will further increase their presence in the outskirts of the capital in the coming weeks in order to guarantee the legality and protection of citizens in the long term.
