SANTA MARINELLA – A traffic stop by Carabinieri in Santa Marinella has resulted in the discovery of over five kilograms of narcotics and the arrest of a 39-year-old local man, already known to law enforcement. The operation, which took place on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, uncovered a sophisticated hidden compartment in a courier vehicle, designed to transport illicit substances.
Sophisticated Double Bottom Discovered in Courier Van
During a routine patrol, military personnel stopped a vehicle that exhibited certain irregularities. Upon inspection, officers’ attention was drawn to a cleverly constructed compartment beneath the vehicle’s floorboard. This artisanal double bottom was specifically designed to conceal illegal cargo during transport, raising immediate suspicion.
Over 5 Kilograms of Drugs Seized, Including Hashish and Cocaine
The subsequent search, extended to the suspect’s home, yielded a substantial quantity of narcotics. Approximately four kilograms of hashish, divided into 53 blocks, and over one kilogram of cocaine, already portioned into 511 ready-to-sell doses, were confiscated. In addition to the drugs, investigators seized a precision scale, various packaging materials, and 12,200 euros in cash, believed to be proceeds from drug dealing activities.
Arrest and Impact on Local Drug Market
The 39-year-old man was taken into custody and, following standard procedures, was placed at the disposal of the judicial authorities. The seizure of this significant quantity of drugs is expected to have a considerable impact on the local drug market along the northern coast of Rome province, disrupting supply lines that could have fueled drug dealing for several days.
This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug trafficking in the region and highlights the increasingly sophisticated methods used by criminals to transport contraband.
Source: https://www.romatoday.it/cronaca/auto–droga-santa-marinella.html
