Italian Police Seize 150kg of Pure Cocaine Hidden Underwater in Ship's Hull

Italian police have seized approximately 150 kilograms (330 pounds) of pure cocaine, worth an estimated €25 million (£21.5 million) on the street, that was hidden 9 meters (30 feet) underwater in the hull of a cargo ship. The vessel, registered in the Marshall Islands, had arrived in the port of Ravenna, Italy from Santos, Brazil.

The operation was carried out by the State Police and Finance Police of Ravenna, in coordination with the Public Prosecutor's Office of Ravenna and the Central Directorate for Anti-Drug Services of the State Police in Rome. Specialist divers from the Rimini Air and Naval Operations Department of the Financial Police searched the submerged part of the ship's hull and discovered 139 blocks of cocaine wrapped in plastic to protect them from water damage, hidden inside sea intake pipes.

The ship was carrying fertilizer and had been heading to northern Europe before arriving in Italy. Investigators said the drugs, with a wholesale value of over €5 million, were concealed "inside sea intake pipes" on the vessel.

Why this matters: This seizure is part of a broader effort by European law enforcement agencies to target a major drug cartel operating in Europe. The sophisticated concealment method highlights the ongoing challenges in combating international drug trafficking and the resourcefulness of criminal organizations.

Italian authorities stated that this operation is part of a wider investigation to combat international drug trafficking. The seizure of such a large quantity of high-purity cocaine dealt a significant blow to the drug trade and demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies in Italy and beyond.

Key Takeaways

• Italian police seized 150 kg of pure cocaine worth €25 million from a cargo ship.
• The drugs were hidden 9 meters underwater in the ship's hull, coming from Brazil.
• The operation involved coordination between Italian law enforcement agencies and prosecutors.
• This seizure is part of a broader effort to target a major drug cartel in Europe.
• The sophisticated concealment method highlights the challenges in combating drug trafficking.