Milan, February 1 – A 24-year-old Peruvian man has been arrested in Milan, accused of dealing drugs while disguised as a food delivery rider. Police seized nearly half a kilo of various narcotics from his apartment in a raid on Thursday evening.
‘Drug Rider’ Scheme Uncovered in Milan
The suspect, whose identity has not been released, was apprehended by officers from the Scalo Romana police station. He had been using the disguise of a delivery rider from various platforms to distribute drugs across the city, a tactic that, while not entirely new, proved effective until his recent capture.
Inside the man’s apartment, located in a B&B on Via Quintosole at the end of Via Ripamonti, police discovered a wide array of illicit substances. These included three hectograms of marijuana, one hectogram of hashish, 10 sachets of pink cocaine (amphetamines), 15 sachets of cocaine, and several bottles of popper (alkyl nitrites, illegal in Italy). The total weight of the seized drugs amounted to nearly half a kilo.
Police Blitz Leads to Arrest
The operation unfolded around 8:00 PM on Thursday. When officers arrived at the B&B, the suspect initially attempted to evade them, claiming to be a cleaning attendant and stating he could not grant access to the apartment without the owner’s consent. This excuse was quickly debunked when it was revealed that the young man had been renting the apartment for at least a month.
Upon entering the dwelling, police found not only the substantial quantity of drugs but also precision scales, cash totaling 730 euros, and packaging materials for the narcotics. Crucially, the apartment also contained a full set of rider equipment, including jackets and thermal bags used by various delivery platforms, confirming his modus operandi.
The 24-year-old Peruvian already had a police record. The arrest highlights an ongoing challenge for law enforcement in combating drug trafficking, as dealers increasingly adopt various disguises to operate under the radar.
Wider Implications for Drug Trafficking and Delivery Services
The use of delivery service disguises by drug traffickers has been a recurring issue in several major cities. This method allows dealers to move freely and inconspicuously, blending in with legitimate delivery personnel. Authorities continue to monitor such activities to prevent the exploitation of essential services for criminal purposes.
The Milanese police force has been actively working to combat drug dealing networks within the city, with this arrest marking another significant step in their efforts. Investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the suspect’s network and any potential connections to larger drug operations.
Local authorities emphasize the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in reporting suspicious activities to help maintain public safety and disrupt criminal enterprises.
Source: milano.corriere.it
