Cocaine seized by Italian authorities

Last week, 5,3 tons of cocaine were seized near Sicily. This was the largest cocaine seizure reported on Italian territory.

A merchant ship sailing from South America had been under surveillance since July 19. This was the mother-ship, which was positioned at the limit of the territorial waters.

A surveillance aircraft spotted packages being thrown from the deck into the Strait of Sicily. The cargo was then collected by a fishing trawler. The fishing boat was intercepted by Naval Forces. Large quantities of cocaine were found in a hidden compartment on the vessel. The 5 crew members on board were handed over to prosecutors.

The mother ship attempted to escape by entering international waters. It was heading for Turkey when the authorities intercepted her.