MINISTERO DELL’INTERNO DIPARTIMENTO DELLA PUBBLICA SICUREZZA DIREZIONE CENTRALE PER I SERVIZI ANTIDROGA antdroga.interno.gov.it

PREFACE

After intensive editing and analysis, the Direzione Centrale per i Servizi Antidroga is pleased to publish also this year its “Annual Report” (concerning the year 2019), which gives an overview on the activities carried out and on the results achieved in in the fght against illicit drug traffcking. The scenario is similar to that of previous years although some aspects are worth being underlined. The overall number of drug operations and of the reports to the Judicial Authorities did not remarkably change, the situation outlined was in line with 2018. In terms of number of drug operations 2019 set the second highest level ever, while the number of the reports was consistent with last ten-year trend. Positive and negative variances (-2.93% as to reports and 0.70% as to law enforcement interventions) are indicators of a stable operational context. On the other hand, drug seizures remarkably decreased if compared to the previous year and went from 123 tons in 2018 to less than 55 tons in 2019. The percentage decrease was greater than a half (-55.66%). The quantity seized in 2019 was again in line with the quantities seized in the years before 2013. Almost all drug seizures decreased, except for cocaine and synthetic drugs. Mention must be made in particular of the decrease in the seizures of cannabis derivatives:hashish (-73.25%), marijuana (-39.83%) and cannabis plants (-57.37%). In absolute terms, in 2019 drug seizures decreased by 70 tons in comparison with the previous year. Examining the data on each substance, such a decline was connected to the negative trend of cannabis seizures. Indeed it is worth mentioning that over the last fve years cannabis has been 90% of all the drugs intercepted in Italy by law enforcement authorities. A more in-depth analysis has highlighted a remarkable decrease in cannabis seizures (-41 tons) in national and international waters ‒ both in the Tyrrhenian and the Adriatic Sea ‒ although between April and May 2019 three important seizures, for a total of about 13 tons, were carried out in the waters of the Channel and off the coasts of S.M. di Leuca. The in-depth analysis of 2020 data and seizures will tell us if it was a temporary result or if rather than a reversal of trends in illicit fows it was due to the ability of cannabis traffckers to readjust their routes and operational strategies. Also heroin remarkably decreased (-37.06%) in comparison with 2018. However, this downward trend is less worthy of notice since the high fgure reported in 2018 was mainly linked to the detection of a huge quantity of about 270 kg at the Port in Genoa. Indeed in the ten-year period 2019 heroin seizures were in line with last fve -year average. As to the positive variance, the volumes of cocaine seizures almost tripled in comparison with 2018 (+127.61%) with a record seizure of 8.3 tons. In a ten-year period it was the highest quantity ever seized since 2010, except for two signifcant seizures amounting to 3.2 tons as a whole carried out in January in the Port of Genoa and in November in the Port of . Cocaine spreading remarkably increased and its trade continued to be the core business of the main national and international crime groups, as it comes out from the number of operations and reports which were the highest ever recorded in the ten-year period. Synthetic drugs deserve separate consideration. The quantities seized were more or less limited, but the increase registered (dose: +95.62% and weight: +32.16% ) showed that such psychotropic substances are largely used above all by young people. At present the threat posed by such drugs is not as high as that of other drugs also because they are not the core business of yet. However, it is to be assumed that in the next years law enforcement authorities will have to cope with this phenomenon and its insidious supply methods: on-line orders and transactions as well as the increased use of e-commerce postal deliveries. The situation concerning the New Psychoactive Substances was similar to that of synthetic drugs. The majority of NPS are substances of synthetic origin, which are obtained by constantly modifying the chemical structure of controlled psychotropic substances. They are produced with the aim of introducing onto the market non-controlled substances which are not included in the international Tables. In the year under study, the Early Warning System of the Department for Anti-Drug Policies, with which the DCSA is cooperating as a Project Unit, has identifed ‒ also thanks to the reports by law-enforcement agencies ‒ 15 “non-scheduled” molecules with a new composition (mainly cannabinoids, cathinones and oppioids), which are components of the psychoactive products destined for consumption. Although such substances are not widespread in our country, it is necessary not to be taken by surprise and keep focusing on such consumption phenomena which in some overseas countries pose a real threat to public health. Also the data concerning foreigners involved in drug traffcking and pushing were in 2019 in line with the previous year, although slightly decreasing (-3.48%). Their overall number amounted to 13,775, of whom 9,650 were arrested. They still represented less than one third (39.45%) of all the persons reported for such offences and the fgure was one of the highest ever recorded in the ten year period except for the number of the previous two years, which was slightly higher. They were mainly non-EU unskilled workers, mostly Moroccans, Albanians, Nigerians, Gambians, Tunisians and Senegalese who were recruited to sell the drugs on the domestic markets. As to conspiracy to the ends of drug traffcking, the number of foreigners was approximately 860, showing a modest percentage increase (+7.58%) in comparison with 2018. For the second consecutive year it is important to focus the attention on the number of Italian and foreign minors selling cannabis derivatives (hashish and marijuana). Although the seizures of such substances were remarkably decreasing, in 2019 the number of underage youth (958 as a whole, of whom 808 Italians and 150 foreigners) pushing cannabis derivatives was again high in comparison with other drugs (224 as to cocaine and only 27 as to heroin). This fgure should be carefully monitored also in the future, not only considering the age of the persons reported, but also the diffusion of such substances with the consumption patterns that directly affect young people. Overdose deaths have increased for the third consecutive year, with a further rise of 37 units, with an overall number of 373 persons, (an increase of 11.01% as compared to 2018). Over the half of deaths were caused by opiates abuse (heroin in 169 cases, methadone 16, fentanyl 1 and morphine 1 case). Since 1973, when they were frst recorded in Italy, there has been a total of 25,780 drug abuse deaths. The ongoing trend is extremely alarming, therefore analysts and experts will have to continue to study this phenomenon, trying to stem it, not only in terms of fght against traffcking and distribution. From the operational point of view, in order to raise the capacity of the national system to respond to the drug traffcking threat, a Decree was issued in August by the Chief of ‒ Director General of the Public Security ‒ to establish the criteria to assign the investigations to one of the three Italian law enforcement Agencies. Investigations are then entrusted to the agencies on the basis of the information acquired and developed by DCSA within its coordination duty, enhancement of the information fows and support to the counteracting activity, through a chronological rotation that guarantees a fair and rigorous subdivision of investigative efforts. Although the traffcking routes reaching the borders of our country remain the same, the analysis of the major antidrug operations concluded in 2019, highlighted some investigative features of drug traffcking in Italy. Most drugs seized in Italy are destined for the domestic market. However, some signifcant seizures indicate that our country, which is located in the center of the Mediterranean, is also used as a hub for the shipments destined for other European countries. Investigations conducted and coordinated by DCSA confrm that the “contamination” of containers (so-called “Rip-off”) is the favourite modus operandi for oceanic routes. The large seizures made in the ports of Genoa, Vado Ligure, Civitavecchia and Livorno, as well as the one carried out in Gioia Tauro (RC), indicate that criminal organizations, that had considered the port in Gioia Tauro the main gateway of the cocaine from South America, are recently preferring other Mediterranean ports, in addition to those in Northern , in order to reduce the risk of losing their shipments. Italy is also a transit area towards North European markets for maritime shipments of opiates from Bulgaria, Turkey and Iran. The Turkish, Albanian and Nigerian organizations play a major role for drug supply and shipment to the destination and transit ports and airports. The analysis of drug traffcking confrms that, also in 2019, organized crime considered drug traffcking its main source of fnancing, even if this is not a novelty. Drug traffcking remains «the main engine of any illicit activities carried out by large criminal syndicates», since it generates higher proceeds than any other licit or illicit business and represents the easiest way to self- fnance other criminal activities. The phenomenological examination and the analysis of the indicators provided by the antidrug activities carried out in 2019 by the local investigative Units and Bureaus coordinated by the Direzione Centrale per i Servizi Antidroga, pointed out that the criminal organizations running illicit traffcking are resilient to the effective and continuous counter-activities by the law enforcement agencies and the Judicial Authorities. In this scenario the Calabrian ‘ndrangheta confrmed its major role as worldwide broker in the cocaine trade and in the management of cocaine traffcking. It is at present the most powerful criminal organization in terms of management of transactions from South America and from the main European temporary storage areas, availing itself of its well-rooted branches in Italy ‒ in the richest regions of , , and ‒ and in Europe, in particular Holland and Spain. Albanian organizations are increasingly involved in cocaine traffcking, showing remarkable management skills and infltration ability. They use the Dutch and Belgian ports to introduce the drugs and arrange transport and distribution to the Italian and European markets. Also the Moroccan criminal organizations, that are widespread throughout Italy and Europe, show determination in the management and have a sort of monopoly on the hashish traffcking, from the purchase in the producing areas of the Rif region, to the transport, wholesale and retail distribution through a wide network all over Europe, in particular in Spain, Portugal, Italy and France. With regard to the development of international relations, 2019 will be remembered for the participation of DCSA representatives in some successful events aimed at setting up strategic guidelines to curb drug traffcking and other phenomena connected to narcotics consumption. In particular, I would like to mention the works of the 62nd Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) of the United Nations, which was held in Vienna from 14 to 22 March, 2019, on the occasion of ten-year anniversary of the Political Declaration and Action Plan of 2009. During this session a ministerial declaration was offcially adopted, through which the Member States have committed themselves to stepping up the implementation of the policies agreed in the last decade, through a balanced, multi-disciplinary and evidence-based approach, also thanks to the improvement of the data collection system. DCSA representatives also participated in important meetings at level. During the “2nd INTERPOL Global Conference on Illicit Drugs”, held in Cape Town on 17-19 September, 2019, it was stressed that all countries should adhere to the platforms “Drug Analysis File” and “Relief Database”, in order to collect data and information pertaining to drug seizures carried out at international level. Aside the Conference, a bilateral meeting took place between the DCSA and INTERPOL representatives, concerning a challenging project (in which Italy could be the leading country), in the fght against drug traffcking along the Southern Route, with the involvement of the East African countries affected by this phenomenon. At European level, DCSA participated in the works of G7, -Lyon group, under the French Presidency, in the framework of the sub-group LEPSG (Law Enforcement Projects Sub Group), whose meetings, held in Paris in March and October, were concluded by the formal commitment of the participating Countries, to enhance the monitoring activities on the online synthetic drug sale and step up efforts to promote an international response to this phenomenon. As a confrmation of the DCSA dynamic role on international stage, negotiations were opened at a bilateral level, with Canada, North Macedonia, Russian Federation, Tajikistan and Ghana, in order to develop technical agreements in the fght against drug traffcking sector, either upon request of foreign counterparts or on DCSA own initiative. Thanks to the qualifed activity of the Law Enforcement Attachés, negotiations are underway with Albania, Brazil, Bulgaria, Colombia, Ecuador, Ghana, Morocco, Montenegro, Romania, and , to sign Antidrug Operational Memoranda (MOA), aimed at promoting a joint investigation planning to combat the illicit traffc in narcotic drugs and precursors. During the reporting year, all these negotiations culminated in the Protocol signed in Rome, on 14 October 2019 by the DCSA Director, on behalf of the Chief of the Italian Police ‒ Director General of Public Security ‒ between the Department of Public Security and the Naval Intelligence Command of the Colombian Navy on the cooperation in the fght against traffc in illicit drugs, psychotropic substances and relevant precursors, and in the Memorandum of Understanding between the Italian above-mentioned Department and the National Drug Control Directorate of the Dominican Republic on police cooperation against traffc in illicit drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors, concluded in Santo Domingo, on 14 January 2020. The year 2019 will also be remembered for two projects launched by the DCSA with the above-mentioned Department for Antidrug Policies of the Italian Presidency of the Council of Ministers (DPA). In the framework of inter-institutional cooperation agreements, the two projects “ICARUS” and “Hermes” found their right place: they were established to emphasize the synergies existing between the DPA and the DCSA and to exponentially grow the effectiveness of their respective duties, within an operational scenario based on their common interests and respective institutional competences. The frst project is still ongoing and initiatives are being developed to foster the counter-narcotic activities and increase the effectiveness and promptness of data production for the analysis of drug-related phenomena. Moreover, it also deals with the prevention activities, above all in relation to schools and to young population. Among the activities aimed at raising the awareness on the drug phenomenon and based on the above-mentioned collaboration, mention should be made of a workshop organized in November 2019 at the Congress Centre of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome, on synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS). There, it was possible to review the state of the art in the alarming spread of these illicit substances, in particular fentanyl. This national event was addressed to all persons involved in the drug sector and was also attended by the Chief of the Italian Police-Director General of Public Security and by the National Anti-Mafa and Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor, together with the participation of very important members from international organizations, institutions, law enforcement agencies and from the scientifc and academic communities. Last November 2019, Project Hermes was signed; its ambitious purpose is to curb the importation and trade of narcotic drugs, in particular the synthetic substances, by monitoring postal shipments carried out by public or private couriers. This second project also aims at developing new expertise able to face this threat, training police personnel in these specifc monitoring and checking activities and in using advanced technologies and software for risk analysis. The outcomes of these controls will also provide support to the National Early Warning System so to prevent the spread of new consumption phenomena posing a threat to public health. Following an initiative adopted some years ago, this Annual Report 2020 being published again in an electronic format only and it was translated into English and Spanish for a wider dissemination outside the national borders. This Report is also available on the DCSA website, whichPARTE was opened in 2019 to allowPRIMA a deeper knowledge of the tasks and duties of our Agency and a broad dissemination of data, initiatives, reports and news in this specifc area.

THE DIRECTOR Giuseppe Cucchiara PARTE PRIMA

CONTENTS

FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY 11

THE ROLE OF ITALY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING 13 Foreword 13 The operational coordination achieved by the Direzione Centrale per i Servizi Antidroga as added value to the investigative activities 13 The drug trafficking: illicit trafficking types and counter-narcotic action 15 Cocaine 15 Heroin 16 Hashish 17 Marijuana 18 Synthetic drugs and New Psychoactive Substances 19 The role of criminal organizations in the drug trafficking sector 20 ‘ndrangheta 20 Cosa nostra 22 24 Apulian criminal organizations 25 Albanian crime 25 Balkan cartel 26 Moroccan criminal networks 27 Drug trafficking on the web 28 Fact sheets 30 Nigerian criminal groups operating in Italy 30 Criminal groups in Rome 33 Presence of criminal groups in the football clubs 36

LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY AT NATIONAL LEVEL 39 Introduction 39 Drug trafficking towards Italy 44 The fight against cocaine 46 The fight against heroin 54 The fight against cannabis 61 The fight against synthetic drugs 75 Persons reported to the Judicial Authorities 83 Foreign nationals reported to the Judicial Authorities 86 Minors reported to the Judicial Authorities 89 Drug abuse deaths 91 SECOND PART

ACTIVITIES OF THE DIREZIONE CENTRALE PER I SERVIZI ANTIDROGA 95

International cooperation 97 Training activities 107 Legislative activity 108 DCSA support to criminal police investigations 109 Translation and interpretation unit 109 Monitoring on New Psychoactive Substances and synthetic drugs 109 Control over precursors and essential chemicals 112 Activities of the office for General Coordination and Planning 114

STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

1

FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

THE ROLE OF ITALY IN THE FIGHT AGAINTS DRUG TRAFFICKING FOREWORD The phenomenological observation and the consequent analysis of indicators derived from the antidrug activities carried out in 2019 by the Italian investigating local services, with the coordination of the Direzione Centrale per i Servizi Antidroga, showed that the drug trafficking criminal syndicates revealed a symptomatic resilience to the effective and systematic law enforcement and judicial activities. The analysis of the most recent investigation outcomes confirm, in the strategic sectors, the criminal dynamics already registered in the last few years, emphasizing new elements that, at the moment, cannot change the general evaluation of this phenomenon. The most important counter-narcotic efforts continue to prove that drug trafficking, which is one of the key illicit activities for organized crime groups, is increasingly assuming a transnational character, even thanks to consolidated international relations between drug traffickers and sophisticated technological devices as well as common criminal projects carried out by criminal networks regardless of their different ethnic origins, geographical borders and communication difficulties. The criminal organizations active in Italy are well established in this scenario: their experience and reliability have been, nowadays, recognized in the world criminal arena and in the last few years, they have developed new strategies, more and more collaboration-oriented and based on cross-cutting alliances with other national and foreign crime groups. They have also branched out in drug producing, transit and storage areas thus showing that a proper counter-narcotic action must recognize the importance of International cooperation so to completely dismantle criminal organizations.

THE OPERATIONAL COORDINATION ACHIEVED BY THE DIREZIONE CENTRALE PER I SERVIZI ANTIDROGA AS ADDED VALUE TO THE INVESTIGATIVE ACTIVITIES In 2019, the Italian local investigative services carried out 25,876 drug operations. These important results were achieved thanks to a precise and timely coordination activity aimed at avoiding investigative overlaps which are a waste of resources and a real risk factor for the development of the investigation and, above all, for the safety of the police operators. Indeed, the coordination activity must be considered as a wider information support concept. In order to comply with its specific task in accordance with the current legislation, DCSA promotes and coordinates the antidrug activities in Italy and abroad, supporting the different law enforcement services in their information and investigative capacities. The information stream generated by the investigative activities carried out by the Law Enforcement services - in the framework of domestic operations and foreign counterparts investigations with regard to links of possible interest to Italy - is processed and then provided to the local services as well as to the international partners through an accurate intelligence process which contributes to

13 the necessary accuracy underlying the development of investigations. The information research is also emphasized by the role of the Law Enforcement Attachés, who are the core of the relations network, facilitating the development of investigations, the tracking of drug consignments, often through special investigative tools, aimed at identifying the final destination, and as a consequence, the organized crime groups involved in the whole illicit trafficking. In this context, great importance is given to special operations, in particular the “controlled deliveries”, playing a central role in the development of the above-mentioned strategy, as well as in planning and developing actions based on information provided by foreign counterparts, through the above-mentioned attachés stationed at foreign corresponding agencies. Considering the main drug supply routes, the current level of operational cooperation in Europe is also supported by Joint Investigative Units of the relevant countries, also involving . Nowadays, the most aggressive criminal syndicates resulted immune to trojan viruses used during investigations. Moreover, it is now well-known that during police operations, active and passive telecommunication interceptions are widely used to inoculate viruses: for this reason, traffickers have almost excluded the use of traditional telephones for their most important illicit business. In some cases criminals have employed personnel from the telematic sector who, working for the criminal network, provide electronic devices having special systems of encrypted communication, which cannot be intercepted by the police technical apparatus and that cannot be identified since the servers are located in countries that have not adhered to the main international Conventions on Judicial Cooperation. Most drugs seized in Italy in the reporting year were destined for the domestic market. However, significant seizures indicated that our Country (geographically located at the centre of the Mediterranean area) was also used as a transit point for the consignments bound for other European countries. The investigations carried out and coordinated by DCSA in 2019, confirmed that the container “contamination” was still the favourite modus operandi as far as the ocean routes are concerned. International cooperation between the different law enforcement agencies highlighted three main modus operandi of drug trafficking by sea: Livorno - Seizure of 644 kg of cocaine concealed inside a container - the rip-off method: drugs are concealed in large bags inside a container and are then recovered through the classic “grab-and-go" system or through the “switch method”, with the drugs moved from a container (from South America) to another one (of European origin), in order to avoid risk analysis and checks;

14 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

- drugs concealed inside the metal frame of the container; - drugs concealed inside a cover legitimate cargo. An additional modus operandi involves the use of vessels and of their crew members: drugs are concealed in the vessel’s frame, under the keel or inside “handmade”, rudimentary submarines. Also the so-called jettisoned/drop off drug method is used: once outside the territorial waters, drug traffickers’ accomplices jettison the drugs off the vessel, where speedboats recover and transport them on shore. Once there, drugs are loaded onboard cars or lorries. Sometimes also pleasure boats or sailing vessels were used Two brothers from Mazara del Vallo/ TP (known to be accomplices of a fugitive who was then arrested. We will speak about him later on), very qualified skippers, able to cover transoceanic routes, on 29 May 2019 were arrested by the French , onboard a sailing vessel, in the Apataki atoll of French Polynesia, in possession of 535 kg of cocaine from Peru and allegedly destined for Australia. The in corpore method is also confirmed: drug is carried by human couriers (body packers) who swallow drug pellets or conceal the illicit substances inside their luggage. The criminal organizations use intercontinental flights, with intermediate stopovers and with couriers having EU passports in order to confuse the analysis of the risk factors. These flights arrive in other EU states where the courier (or another subject) continues his/her trip onboard other means of transportation, within the Schengen area. Some of these methods cannot be defined as real novelties, but show a complex and continuously evolving scenario, which has to be described in the light of each individual type of drugs.

THE DRUG TRAFFICKING: ILLICIT TRAFFICKING TYPES AND COUNTER-NARCOTIC ACTION Cocaine Although a slight decrease in cocaine seizures was registered1, the present production of this substance in Colombia is still very high also thanks to new cultivation plots after the signature of the peace agreements with the FARC in 2016. In addition, former FARC irregular soldiers have recently passed to the drug trafficking activities, in complicity with other crime gangs. The crime groups named BACRIM are presently one of the main problems for the Colombian police services. These organizations have spread out all over the country and are continuously fighting for the control over the strategic points of the Colombian territory. Among these groups, the Gulf’s Clan is the group now representing over 70% of the paramilitary forces in Colombia. The largest cocaine seizures registered in 2019 at the ports of Genoa and Livorno (as well as in that of Gioia Tauro/RC), indicated that the criminal organizations, started to privilege other Mediterranean and North European ports2 in order to reduce the risks of seizure. However, the Calabrian port was not completely free from the illicit trafficking. In fact, last 11 November 2019, at Gioia Tauro port, the /ROS and the Provincial Command

1 Source: DCSA law enforcement ataché at the Italian Embassy in Bogota (Colombia).

2 Report of the Public Prosecutor in Reggio during the opening ceremony of the judicial year 2019.

15 in discovered, inside a Gioia Tauro/RC - Seizure of approximately 1 ton of cocaine refrigerated container of fruit coming from Colombia, over 1 ton of cocaine. At the beginning of 2019, the operation "Neve genovese", conducted in cooperation with Spain, Colombia and United Kingdom, led on 23 January 2019, in Genoa, to the largest seizure ever registered in Italy over the last 25 years, for a total of more than 2 tons of pure cocaine, carried out by the local . In the framework of this operation, also thanks to the support of the two DCSA law enforcement attachés in Spain, an international controlled delivery was conducted: this led to the arrest of a Spanish national, in charge of recovering the drugs at the port on behalf of the criminal organization. The drugs seized were concealed inside a container onboard a merchant vessel coming from Colombia and destined for Italy and then for Spain. Again at the beginning of 2019, in Livorno, the Guardia di Finanza seized 644 kg of cocaine concealed in large sport bags inside a container coming from Central America and bound for Spain. The investigations conducted by the Italian law enforcement authorities in the reporting year, in collaboration with the foreign corresponding agencies, confirmed that Italian Mafia organizations were still strongly rooted in the drug trafficking illicit activities.

Heroin Heroin produced in Afghanistan is characterized by a high purity level, having terrible repercussions on society and on public health. The so-called Balkan Route, crossing Iran, Turkey and Balkan countries towards the European illicit markets, is still the main land route to transport these drugs, the chemical precursors necessary for heroin manufacture as well as the synthetic opioids, that have now come into daily use. Italy also represents a transit area towards the North European markets for the maritime shipments coming from Bulgaria, Turkey and Iran. Turkish, Albanian and Nigerian crime groups play a major role in heroin supply and transport to ports and airports. In this context, investigations have recently shown that the Nigerian crime networks are very active in Italy as well as in other countries of the African Continent. As you will see in operation "Bat24" (see the specific focus below), undercover officers were employed also in drug street pushing investigations just like they are used in the complex drug trafficking operations. Over the past few years, the Italian Police Operational Central Service, along with the investigating Units of the Police Headquarters, have carried out an investigative activity by employing undercover officers in the illicit drug dealing markets all over Italian territory. This investigative

16 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

technique is based on the possibility to authorize the drug purchase for one or more undercover operators, and on the possibility to delay the arrest of drug pushers: the use of this system allows the police personnel to gather evidence against more subjects in a relatively brief lapse of time. In addition, significant resource saving was noted if compared to the usual surveillance services aimed at arresting the subject in flagrante delicto, but often having uncertain results. Moreover, the act of arresting a person can alarm the other pushers who can rapidly change their modus operandi. The complex operation "Domitia3", conducted by the Investigating Unit of the Carabinieri in Perugia, was started in August 2012 and ended last October 2019. It focused on an international heroin trafficking carried out by some subjects operating in Central Africa. A preventive custody order was issued against 19 Tanzanian, Burundian and Somali nationals. In the course of this investigation 140 couriers were arrested and 230 kg of heroin and 20 kg of cocaine were seized, along with huge sums of money.

Hashish After a significant increase registered in the previous years, in 2019 the hashish seizures showed a clear drop. Over the years , the Moroccan criminal networks have succeeded in carving out important spaces in the illicit markets by trafficking in cannabis resin or hashish (coming almost totally from Morocco). The typical routes used towards the EU markets are the following: - via African and Spanish coasts, mainly by speedboats, but also by small aircraft that, from Morocco, via Algerian air space, reach the ; - overland, from North-West Africa towards Libya, where because of the critical and instable political-military situation, the Moroccan crime groups move the illicit consignments towards the coastline then onto the Egyptian and Libyan ports and finally destined for Europe. The operation "Libeccio International" continued in 2019: it was conducted by the Economic and Financial Unit of the Guardia di Finanza in Palermo, coordinated by DCSA, aimed at combating the macro-trafficking coming from North Africa and destined for Europe. This investigation was also the focus of the operation conducted by the Joint Operational Team called "Rose of the Winds", sponsored by Europol. In this investigative context, the following important operations must be highlighted: - on 11.04.2019, the Guardia di Finanza in Palermo seized, off the Sicilian coasts, 6,200 kg of hashish onboard the vessel "LUNA III", flying the Spanish flag and arrested the 3 members of the crew of Spanish nationality; the boarding was operated under Art. 5 of the "Treaty between the Kingdom of Spain and the Republic of Italy in the fight against illicit drug trafficking by sea"; - on 13.05.2019, the Guardia di Finanza in Palermo seized in the waters of the Sicilian Channel 5,474 kg of hashish found onboard the sailing vessel "SOLEN I", flying the Turkish flag and

3 O.C.C.C. n. 10373/2012 RGNR D.D.A. in Perugia and 8607/2013 R.G.GIP of the Court in Perugia and O.C.C.C. n. 535/19, 537/19, 536/19, n. 25724/19 RGNR Public Prosecutor’s Ofce in and 23042/19 R.G. GIP of the Investgatng Magistrate at the Court in Naples.

17 Seizure of 6,200 kg of hashish discovered onboard the vessel "LUNA III"

arrested the 3 members of the crew of Turkish nationality; the boarding, operated under Art.17 of the 1988 Vienna Convention, was carried out prior authorization of the competent authorities of the flag state. The Calabrian clans were also active in the hashish trade.

Marijuana It remains the most abused drug in Italy: it reaches our country via the Adriatic Sea, from Albania and Greece. Italy has confirmed to be both a transit and a producing country, with crops mostly concentrated in the Southern regions because of favourable climatic conditions and their proximity to the illicit drug dealing markets. On 26 April 2019 the Guardia di Finanza di Lecce intercepted off the coasts of S.M. di Leuca/LE a rubber dinghy and seized more than 1,5 ton of marijuana coming from Albania, arresting 2 Albanian smugglers. Operation "Selfie4", conducted by the Carabinieri in Bianco/RC, concluded in May 2019, confirmed that the Calabrian clans, in particular those active in Locri area, run the marijuana trafficking destined for the illicit markets of Rome and, more in general, of region. This operation led to the seizure of more than 11,000 plants of cannabis sativa in several cultivation sites in the province of Reggio Calabria and to the arrest of 28 affiliates of the crime group. Over the last years, there have been persistent and growing signs of cannabis supply and production all over the EU, in the light of a high demand and a growing interest of the criminal syndicates, as a consequence of the high profits.

4 OCCC n. 1005/17 R.G.N.R. – D.D.A.,693/18 R.G.I.P.-D.D.A., 6/2019 R.O.C.C. – D.D.A. of the G.I.P. in Reggio Calabria.

18 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

In this regard, it is worth mentioning the seizure occurred in March 2019 made by the authorities of Ghana of almost 6,000 kg of marijuana concealed inside a food consignment destined for the United Kingdom, which proves that5 Ghana is an important producing country (like Nigeria) of African marijuana bound for the European countries’ illicit markets. The main criminal organizations active in this field are the Albanian networks, operating all over the national territory. In fact: - Operation "Sabbia 20186", conducted by the Provincial Command of Carabinieri in : a crime group mainly composed of Albanian nationals was dismantled. It was responsible for importing, trafficking and distributing huge quantities of marijuana. The drugs were transported by sea from Albania to the coasts of , then stored also through the assistance of criminals belonging to the Apulian Mafia-type groups and finally destined for the main illicit Italian markets. During this operation, 437 kg of marijuana were seized; this load was mainly bound for Florence and Rome; - Operazione "Bottom Barrell7",conducted by the State Police Investigating Unit in : an Albanian criminal syndicate active in Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands was dismantled: it was active in marijuana and cocaine trafficking. The members of this organization used encrypted telephone communication devices in order to guarantee their impunity. This operation resulted in the arrest of 45 subjects and in the seizure of an overall quantity of 4,000 kg of marijuana and 30 kg of cocaine.

Synthetic drugs and New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) In 2019, the seizures of synthetic drugs increased again, thus confirming the upward trend registered in the last years. Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, and Czech Republic are the main European synthetic drugs producing areas: these substances are destined for both the domestic demand and the international markets, above all the European ones. In particular, in the Czech Republic, methamphetamines are intensely produced as you can see from the rise, in the last decade, of seizures and from the detection of numerous illegal laboratories, having small dimensions and installed inside houses. Only in 2016, 261 illegal laboratories for methamphetamine production were discovered in the Czech Republic, out of 291 found out throughout Europe. Organized criminal groups have always shown little interest in these illicit substances because of their low profit margins. In operation "Yaba Smuggler", conducted by the Provincial Command of Carabinieri in and Rome, 31,000 methamphetamine (yaba) tablets were totally seized.

5 Source: DCSA law enforcement ataché at the Italian Embassy in Accra (Ghana).

6 O.C.C.C. n. 14139/17 and 14021/2018 - 7665/18 and 336/19 RG Investgatng Magistrate at the Court in Florence.

7 O.C.C.C. n.6882/16 and 6097/17 R.G. GIP of the Investgatng Magistrate at the Court in Turin.

19 The New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Tablets seized during the Operaton “YABA SMUGGLER” are mainly of synthetic origin: their basic chemical composition is continuously modified by experts working for the criminal group that, in this way, can avoid the inclusion of these chemicals in the Tables of controlled substances. In Italy, the NPS abuse seems to be still very limited: however, a precise estimate cannot be calculated since the lab tests are not able to detect many NPS and the effects of some substances are still unknown, especially when they are taken along with other narcotic drugs. Among the NPS particular attention must be given to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid about 100 times more potent than morphine (50 times more than heroin): only 2 milligrams of this NPS (equal to about 2 grains of table salt) can cause the death of a person. Furthermore, fentanyl can also be easily absorbed transdermally, and this characteristic increases the danger of accidental overdose also for health or police operators who, for different reasons, come into direct contact with this substance.

THE ROLE OF CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS IN THE DRUG TRAFFICKING SECTOR 'ndrangheta Nowadays, it is considered the most powerful organized crime group in trafficking cocaine coming from South America and from the main temporary storage areas in Europe, through its branches established over the national territory, in particular, in the wealthier Italian regions such as Lombardy, Piedmont, Liguria and Veneto, as well as in Europe especially in the Netherlands and Spain. In short, the ‘Ndrangheta is the main broker of drug trafficking worldwide. This criminal success is mainly due to a strategic choice adopted by the leaders of the organization: they decided not to join the massacres strategy of the Corleonesi, with whom they were closely linked. The ‘Ndrangheta groups concentrated on a “silent” expansion beyond the domestic borders, towards those countries where their illegal business could continue to flourish. This criminal syndicate did not limit itself to move temporarily single units from the mother country organization: they directly established a projection of the whole structure abroad, carefully reproducing modus operandi and habits. In February 2019, the Supreme Court in Ontari (Canada)8, sentenced a member of the clan URSINO (operating in the metropolitan area of Toronto), to 12 years and 6 months of imprisonment, stating that the ‘ndrangheta is a well-structured criminal organization, known for its sense of secrecy, its impenetrable nature, its power and danger, active in Canada, through operational cells in Toronto

8 Source : DCSA law enforcement ataché at the Italian Embassy in Otawa (Canada).

20 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

and Thunder Bay (both in Ontario), completely autonomous in their illegal trade, but having close ties of dependence with their hierarchical superiors in Calabria. In this way, the Canadian Court crystallized, for the first time, the unitary nature of this criminal organization: all the ‘ndrangheta cells, also those localized abroad, follow the very same rules and structures like those in Calabria and depend on the Calabrian families to guarantee their own existence. The investigation “EDERA9”, conducted by the Carabinieri R.O.S, shed light on a dangerous Calabrian organization belonging to the Ionian mandamento, involved in international trafficking in cocaine, hashish and marijuana, operating in the area of Reggio Calabria, with branches in Lombardy and Veneto regions, the drug distribution areas. This investigation was carried out with the cooperation of the Colombian Antidrug Police, the D.E.A. and the National Dutch Police, and was coordinated by D.C.S.A. It resulted in preventive measures against 31 persons, the seizure of over 250 kg of cocaine and the arrest of two fugitives, who were included in the list of the most dangerous criminals at large. The operation confirmed that the ‘ndrine from Reggio Calabria play a central role in the international trafficking in cocaine, thanks to their points of reference operating in South America, who are in direct contact with the representatives of the supplying organizations. Such cocaine was destined for the sale on Northern Italian markets, in particular: - in Lombardy, where well-known ‘ndrangheta branches are operating. Due to their direct links with the Reggio Calabria mandamenti, they benefit from the supply channels and the financing of the whole criminal structure; - in Veneto, where stable drug trafficking relations, with important local criminal groups were proven. In Piedmont, we would like to highlight Operation "Cerbero10", conducted by the Carabinieri and the Guardia di Finanza in Turin, who executed preventive measures against 71 individuals belonging to the local ‘ndrangheta cells in Volpiano and San Giusto Canavese, responsible for international drug trafficking, Mafia-type association and other crimes. In particular, the investigation enabled to: - trace back the organizational structure Press conference Operaton "Cerbero" of the mentioned 'ndrangheta local cells operating in the Turin area, having branches all over Italy and abroad (Spain and Brazil); - trace the drug (hashish imported through the traditional Spanish route and cocaine imported from South America, in particular from Brazilian ports, through those of the Iberian

9 OCCC No.1634/2016 R.G.N.R. D.D.A., 1621/2016 R.G.I.P. D.D.A. and No. 44/2016 R.O.C.C.D.D.A..

10 O.C.C.C. No. 8715/10 R.G.N.R., 1392/12 R.G.N.R., 25620/15 R.G.N.R., 3266/16 R.G.N.R., 10600/18 R.G.N.R., 11553/18 R.G.N.R. and 6071/11 R.G. GIP of the G.I.P. at the Court in Turin.

21 Peninsula and Northern Europe). However, the branches of the Calabrian groups also reached the Valle d’Aosta, which in the past was considered immune11 to such infiltrations. Operation "Geenna12", conducted by the Carabinieri R.O.S. in Turin, highlighted a branch of the Nirta di San Luca group in Aosta. 16 individuals were arrested based on preventive measures, as considered responsible, under different charges, for drug trafficking, Mafya-type organization, electoral exchange between politicians and Mafia, and other offences. In particular, the investigation disclosed an international cocaine trafficking from Spain to Italy, in the framework of which one of the inquired persons was murdered in Spain in June 2017. Also Rome is not immune to the Calabrian criminal infiltrations, which will be examined more in depth later in the specific focus. We would also like to underline that numerous Calabrian fugitive were arrested: - Grasso Rosario and Di Marte Giuseppe, respectively head of the group and close to the Cacciola – Grasso group in Rosarno (RC), they were traced and arrested on 6 March, 2019 in Madrid (Spain) by the Spanish Police and the Carabinieri in Gioia Tauro, thanks to the coordination of DCSA law enforcement attaché in Madrid; - Assisi Nicola and his son Patrick, close to the local ‘ndrangheta cell in Volpiano (TO) and included in the list of the most dangerous fugitives (top 100) of the Ministry of the Interior. They were traced and arrested on 8 July 2019 in Praia Grande − Sao Paulo (Brazil) for international drug trafficking by the Carabinieri Provincial Command in Turin, in the framework of the above mentioned investigation Cerbero, coordinated by DCSA attaché in Brazilia. In this context, we would like to point out that Morabito Rocco, boss of the criminal group having the same name, escaped from the prison in Montevideo (Uruguay), in June 2019, after the local Authorities had authorized his extradition to Italy. In fact, he had been arrested in September 2017 by the Uruguayan Police in cooperation with the Carabinieri and the D.C.S.A., since he had to serve 30 years’ imprisonment for international drug trafficking and Mafia-type association.

Cosa nostra In the past, cosa nostra was a powerful unitary pyramidal organization. After the rise of the Corleone Mafia bosses and their later fall, due to the numerous counteracting actions carried out by the Italian State, cosa nostra is still a vertical organization divided into families that are gathered in mandamenti, active in Western and Central Sicily, as shown by the investigations. In Eastern provinces other criminal groups emerged, with more changeable structures, which are strictly organized and able to avoid contrasts with the most powerful families. Recent investigations have confirmed the interest towards illegal drug trafficking due to high profitability and lower level of risk in comparison with the traditional Mafia crimes.

11 “…Valle d’Aosta was believed to be free from ‘ndrangheta […] There is no geographic sector in our District, without 'ndrangheta cells and their typical structure…” Report by the Public Prosecutor General in Turin on the occasion of the opening of the Judicial Year 2019.

12 O.C.C.C. No. 33607/14 R.G.N.R.-5003/15 RGGIP Court in Turin.

22 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

The investigation leading to the apprehension of the fugitive drug trafficker Lumia Paolo, traced in Bolivia on 3 July, 2019 by the State Police Investigating Unit in Trapani and by the State Police Servizio Centrale Operativo (Central Operational Unit) highlighted the organizational skills of the Sicilian syndicates to operate out of our country. In fact, as a fugitive, he actively coordinated maritime shipments of large quantities of cocaine from South America, transported on sailing boats by persons from his city of origin, experienced skippers, who were arrested in French Polynesia, as mentioned before. The State Police Investigating Unit in Palermo, through the operation "Green Finger13", disrupted two criminal organizations aimed at importing cocaine and hashish, one of which was close to the Mafia family of Bagheria. This investigation, shed light on a cocaine traffic from Argentina and Ecuador and led to preventive measures against 23 persons and the seizure of over 700 kg of different types of drugs. The cosa nostra families are increasingly interested in running hashish trafficking and distribution directly: through said operation Green Finger, the State Police Investigating Unit in Palermo highlighted a criminal organization aimed at importing large quantities of hashish (plus another one involved in cocaine importation, that we have already mentioned), which was well spread throughout Italy and connected to the Mafia families of Villabate and Central Palermo. In some cases, it was noticed that in Sicily the organizations were looking for connections in order to create joint ventures for drug supply in the drug producing countries or in the storage areas managed by other Italian criminal organizations. Namely, we would like to mention: - investigation "Capricornus14", conducted by the State Police Investigating Unit in , that led to the execution of 20 preventive measures against several groups involved in the entire trafficking chain, from the cocaine and marijuana supply to their street pushing. The investigation revealed the involvement of members of a criminal group from San Luca (RC) for the cocaine supply and contact persons in Palermo for the marijuana; - operation "Black Smith15", conducted by the State Police Investigating Unit in Palermo into a criminal organization aimed at the importation from into Sicily, of large quantities of hashish and cocaine destined for the local market, led to the execution of a preventive custody order against 12 members of the organization. The drug bargaining and payment methods used by the organizations, in some circumstances were "guaranteed" by restraining members of the clans who were buying the drugs until payment. The State Police Investigating Unit in Catania, in carrying out investigation "Hostage16", identified such modus operandi used by an Albanian organization supplying marijuana to members of the Mazzei clan, operating in Catania. This investigation led to the detention of 12 members of the above

13 OCCC No. 13434/15 RGNR – 2147/18 RGGIP of the G.I.P. in Palermo.

14 OCCC No. 834/16 RGNR, 61/17 RGGIP of the G.I.P in Catania.

15 OCCC No. 4982/16 RGNR, 3488/18 RGGIP of the G.I.P. in Palermo.

16 OCCC No. 21906/16 RGNR, 1417/19 RGGIP of the G.I.P in Catania.

23 mentioned clan. Furthermore, the investigations coordinated by D.C.S.A. ascertained that members of the Sicilian families tried to maintain and renew their contacts with important cosa nostra members in Italy and abroad. The State Police Investigating Unit in Caltanissetta and the Economic and Financial group of the Guardia di Finanza in Rome, conducted the operation "Extra Fines 2 – Cleandro17", which revealed the branches of the Rinzivillo clan in Rome, Lombardy and in Germany, which were aimed at a more profitable management of drug trafficking and the re-investment of drug proceeds in legal economy. Furthermore, in Sicily, Nigerian criminal groups are well-rooted and avoid conflicts with cosa nostra, as it was shown by several investigations. This issue will be examined more in depth in the focus below.

Camorra The camorra could be easily defined as a fluid criminal phenomenon, a universe of clans and groups that often fight for the management of illicit activities in the areas considered under their control, in particular in the distribution areas, and always very active in hashish and cocaine trafficking , through their branches in Spain, South American countries and in Africa. The criminal activity of the fugitive Antonio Prinno should be regarded in this context. He is a member of the group having the same name and was arrested in Morocco thanks to the cooperation of the Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale. Among the forms of conflict, we should consider the of members of other groups for the management of the drug trafficking or just to have back the money destined for the purchase of drugs, like in operation "Munzen18". It was conducted by the State Police Investigating Unit in Naples, that led to a preventive custody order against 5 members of the Mazzarella clan, considered responsible for a kidnapping, that had been organized to recover the stolen sum of money, to be used for the purchase of a large shipment of cocaine. By establishing diversified connections, Seizure of 537 kg of cocaine - Operaton "Nevischio" the camorra clans try to set up “criminal consortiums” with other groups, in order to purchase drugs in the different storage areas worldwide. This investigative scenario was confirmed by operation “Nevischio”, conducted by the II Group of the Guardia di Finanza in Genoa, that led to the seizure of 537 kg of cocaine concealed with the “rip-off”

17 OCCC No. 1478/17 RGNR, 1305/17 RGGIP of the G.I.P in Caltanisseta and OCCC No. 33561/18 RGNR, 24605/18 RGGIP of the G.I.P in Rome.

18 O.C.C.C. No. 3516/19 RGNR-3477/19 RGIP, issued by the GIP at the Court in Naples.

24 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

method, inside a container on a motor vessel coming from Colombia and bound for the port in Naples. An important result in the fight against camorra organizations was the arrest of Marco Di Lauro, wanted since 2004 and included in the list of the most dangerous fugitives. The arrest occurred in Naples, during a joint operation of the State Police, the Carabinieri and the Guardia di Finanza in Naples, since he was considered responsible for Mafia-type association, drug trafficking and other crimes. The Campania crime is characterized, as already mentioned, by the presence of various criminal groups, some of which already established and other emerging. The latter often consist of very young persons with no previous records, desiring to fill the empty space left by the arrests of important members of the local crime and attracted by the high proceeds deriving from the drug distribution markets. In April 2019 an operation19 of the Carabinieri of the Company in Naples – Bagnoli led to the arrest of 11 individuals. Such activity shed light on the thriving activity of a local distribution market run by a woman, who also availed herself of minors for the sale.

Apulian criminal organizations The Apulian crime is characterized by numerous heterogeneous groups made of already existing clans, as opposed to emerging groups, that in some cases are real baby-gangs. These gangs are very violent and aggressive and sometimes this leads to for the control over illicit traffics. The widespread attacks, linked both to organized and small-scale crime, very often aim at representatives of the institutions and entrepreneurs and, in some cases, also members of the law enforcement agencies. In Apulia, the local criminal organizations often operate in close synergy with groups of the Albanian crime groups. Through the investigation "The Transporter 2018", the State Police Investigating Unit in Bari disrupted a criminal group formed of Italians and Albanians, importing marijuana and heroin from Albania, destined for the Italian market. The investigation led to the seizure of over 120 kg of different types of drugs and to the arrest of 3 persons. Furthermore, investigation "Fiori di Primavera", conducted by the Economic and Financial Unit of the Guardia di Finanza in Lecce, arrested 21 Albanians and 6 persons from Brindisi, involved in drug trafficking from the Albanian to the Italian coasts. The operation was carried out within a Joint Investigative Team of the two countries, set up under the umbrella of Eurojust.

Albanian crime Geographical proximity between Italy and Albania, has facilitated, during the years, the development of direct channels between Apulian and Albanian criminal groups, in particular for what the drug

19 O.C.C.C. No. 173/2019, No. 29548/17R.G.N.R. and No. 27607/2018 R. GIP of the G.I.P. at the Court in Naples.

25 purchase, storage and sale are concerned. The contacts between Albanian criminal groups, having branches in Italy, and the Apulian criminal groups have been constant, with particular reference to the organizations operating in the Bari area and in the Ionian-Salentinian coasts as well as the Foggia groups, also having branches in Albania. The Albanian groups who are now well rooted abroad after the massive immigration of the past decades, have repeated the criminal patterns adopted in their country of origin and increased their criminal skills. However, the organizational structure, based on blood ties, therefore reluctant to cooperate with justice, is ready to cooperate with Albanians of the various Balkan regions, because of their common language and ethnic origin. The involvement of the Albanian groups is increasing also in drug trafficking, in particular for the cocaine arriving at the Dutch and Belgian ports, used by criminal organizations to introduce and then distribute such drug throughout Europe. In such context, the Albanian organizations have shown remarkable management skills, from the drug collection at Belgian and Dutch ports, which is facilitated by local accomplices, to its transport onboard ad hoc prepared vehicles, to the further distribution onto the Italian markets. With investigation "Buslijnen20", conducted by the Economic and Financial Unit of the Guardia di Finanza in Florence, light was shed on an Albanian criminal group that bought cocaine and marijuana in the Netherlands and Albania, transported the drug on modified tourist buses to supply the Italian markets. This investigation led to the arrest of 7 persons in flagrante delicto, preventive custody for another 11 subjects, the seizure of over 500 kg of marijuana and 18 kg of cocaine.

Through the operation "Braveheart21", the Seizure of 40 kg of cocaine - Operaton "Braveheart" State Police Investigating Unit in highlighted a criminal group of Albanian nationality, importing cocaine from the Netherlands, that had been able to carve out a good position in the Milan, Venice and Rimini drug markets. The investigation allowed to seize 40 kg of cocaine and arrest 16 individuals.

Balkan Cartel The term "Balkan Cartel" indicates a criminal organization divided into sub-groups, not rigidly structured, well-rooted in the former Yugoslavian countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia) and having a strict control over the so-called "Balkan route", a traditional transit route for the heroin produced in the Middle East, which is today a well-known

20 OCCC No. 8006/2015 of the D.D.A. in Florence and R.G. GIP No. 4778/16 Court in Florence.

21 OCCC No. 48675/15 R.G.GIP No. 11684/15 of GIP at the Court in Milan.

26 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

route for the South American cocaine. In fact, this is, at present, the core business of the above mentioned Cartel, that is facilitated by the geographic position and the availability of seaports. Furthermore, operating in different countries worldwide and being deeply rooted abroad, it is considered particularly dangerous, as it is able to keep direct relationships with the South American drug cartels, autonomously managing the importation and wholesale trade in Europe and in Italy. The particular fragmentation of the criminal groups did not touch its international “military” power, but promoted the development of its skills in illegal activities through a series of characteristics: the military expertise of many members and the consequent rigid hierarchical structure; the integration in criminal and social contexts of different countries, among which Italy, due to the detention periods spent there; the reliability shown, made them privileged partners of the drug trafficking cartels. Although, sometimes, they were victims of episodes of violence, the system they set up, with a network of contacts in all continents, ensures “a home delivery service”, from the drug purchase to logistics, transport and delivery, that guarantees most of the times lower prices in comparison with other competitors. Operation "Familia" , coordinated by Europol and the U.S. DEA is set in this context. This operation led to a total of 16 arrests (11 in Europe and 5 in Asia) and the seizure of over a ton of cocaine (600 kg in Switzerland and 421 kg in Hong Kong), of €2 million in cash and over €1 million in luxury goods. The investigation was started by the Croatian police in early 2018 and concerned a Balkan organized crime network operating in three continents: Asia, Europe and South America, involved in large cocaine trafficking from South America, also using private airplanes.

Moroccan criminal networks Moroccan criminal networks that are well-rooted and widespread both in Europe and in Italy, mainly deal with hashish trafficking. In particular, such organizations manage the whole chain, from drug purchase in the production areas of the Rif region, to transport and distribution at wholesale and retail levels, through an extensive distribution network settled all over Europe, particularly in Spain, Portugal, Italy and France. Besides the monopoly on hashish trafficking, through the mentioned thick distribution network, they are also very effective in trafficking in the cocaine imported from South America to West Africa and forwarded to the European market through the same routes and the structures used for hashish trafficking. The operation "BUC", conducted by the Carabinieri Provincial Headquarters in Varese, under the aegis of the local DDA, investigating into a criminal organization composed of Maghreb and Italian subjects, some of whom living in the Iberian peninsula and connected to the Serraino gang from Reggio Calabria, enabled to reveal a hashish importation from Morocco, through Spain and France, destined for Northern Italy. It was jointly conducted with the EDOA of the Guardia Civil in Malaga and the UDYCO of the Policia Nacional in Torremolinos, in the framework of a Joint Investigative

27 Team set up under the aegis of "Eurojust". Operaton "BUC" - Hashish seizure made in Pagani/SA The operation led to the total seizure of 1,116 kg of hashish (900 kg of which in Cadiz, Spain), and to the arrest in flagrante delicto of 6 persons. On 4.4.2019, 5 preventive detention orders were executed in Italy and 14 in Spain by the Guardia Civil and the Police in Malaga.

DRUG TRAFFICKING ON THE WEB In recent years the Internet has increasingly become a flourishing parallel market with ever growing business. On such marketplace the trade in drugs and in NPS (New Psychotropic Substances) increased as well. This activity was particularly fostered by the potential of the web in terms of easy access and anonymity, which allows both the seller and the buyer to negotiate without coming into contact; this is further facilitated by the widespread payments through bitcoins or crypto currencies in general and the use of networks invisible to the usual search engines. The increase in such on line trafficking is proven by the massive presence in the Internet of e-commerce sites advertising the sale of any kind of drugs and by the stunning rise of the seizures of large quantities of drugs, mainly synthetic ones, carried out by law enforcement agencies mostly at airport areas where parcels from abroad are received or stored. The awareness of such growing and extremely insidious phenomenon, representing a real global threat, due to the potentially undefined number of users and the difficulties in countering it, induced, at global level, to reconsider the counteracting actions as well as the international cooperation initiatives. In such a scenario, in Italy, a specific Drug@online section was set up at D.C.S.A., that is exclusively in charge of "…monitoring the web, in order to prevent and coordinate the relevant counteracting activities to be carried out at national level"22. Drug trafficking on the web is carried out on two different virtual theatres: the open web, the Internet sites found by the most common search engines (Google, Bing, Yahoo) used at 4% and the Deep web, anonymous web only reachable using particular software (i.e. TOR), at the remaining 96%. Inside the open web there are two different types of sites dedicated to illicit activities, that are conventionally defined: - owner websites (40%), i.e. virtual areas where the sale of illicit substances is directly proposed; - intermediary websites (60%), i.e. virtual areas where specific spaces are proposed where anybody can place or see advertisements of different type. Most of the detected sites is in servers located in The Netherlands, China and the United States, mainly managed, especially for those in the Netherlands, by the so called smart shops, i.e., small shops selling drugs. The payments are made through credit cards or bank transfers.

22 Circular leter by the Chief of Police of 20 September, 2014.

28 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

In the Deep web virtual areas called darknet were found, containing black markets , real e-commerce sites , run by anonymous persons, who are difficult to trace. In such cases, the payments are made through crypto currencies, in particular bitcoins, allowing quick, anonymous and immediate online payments. This is realized through a software called wallet that is accessible to all registered users. When a financial transaction is carried out, the sender must know the code generated by the wallet of the recipient and all this is registered on a database called blockchain. This exchange is irreversible. The bitcoins can be bought also through specialized sites, charging money into credit card or post pay in the name of the site owners, who will then send the bitcoin to the address of the buyer. In some cases the parcels travel by air and are intercepted at airports, even if the traditional postal services or private subjects/carriers are increasingly used, since they guarantee that the parcel is delivered at home, ensuring anonymity and discretion. Consumers are between 15 and 40 years old, more frequently are 20, which demonstrates that such drug is mainly used by young people. The drugs seized are mainly of synthetic origin (amphetamine, MDMA, ecstasy, fentanyl and derivatives), but also marijuana, hashish, heroin, cocaine, concealed in wrappings inside dvd and/ or CD cases, put in silver coloured vacuum envelopes. The characteristics of this traffic demonstrate a proliferation of transactions, but with lower quantities in comparison to those trafficked with the traditional methods, due to the drug concealment method (in most cases they are contained in postal parcels). The senders are almost always subjects and/or companies with unknown or false address. Packages are shipped mostly from large-medium areas in Germany, bordering The Netherlands, probably because the senders, residing in The Netherlands, pass the border to send the packages from border post offices. The carriers are the traditional postal services, that guarantee the delivery at home, assuring anonymity and discretion. Based on the checks carried out, some recipients are not registered in the data base, but, since they had emerged in previous antidrug activities, they could be consumers and pushers at the same time. In some cases the recipients use invented names for really existing places; in others the mail box services were used, offered by some firms like Indabox and Mail Boxes Etc., so to receive directly the packages at the rented mail boxes, to avoid investigations. The Drug@online section carried out not only monitoring activities, but also launched and coordinated operations at national level, in particular special operations with the employment of on-line undercover agents. Such investigations are aimed at identifying and tracing, through the trade on the open web, the recipients and sellers of the substances, which is difficult to achieve, considering the transnational dimension of such investigations and the scope of the Internet, which has potentially no boundaries. Among the operations conducted, we would like to underline the seizure, occurred in 2019 of

29 two parcels containing fentanyl23, bought on the darknet Fentanyl seizure and forwarded to Italy from Canada. In particular, thanks to an outstanding info-operational coordination between the Italian and Canadian Authorities, controlled deliveries were carried out, which led to the arrest of the drug recipients and to the following seizures: - in Milan, 1.279 grams of fentanyl, 2.5 kg of marijuana, 45 grams of hashish, No. 6 bottles and 313 tablets of various illicitly imported medicines; - in Cuneo, 0.696 grams of fentanyl, 20 ml of heroin, No. 11 stamps soaked with a hallucinogenic substance, No. 2 precision scales, a computer, a smart-phone, as well as paper documents proving previous online drug purchases.

FACT SHEETS In the overall analysis of the drug trafficking scenario, the following fact sheets summarize the investigative data held by the Central Directorate for Anti-Drug Services on some crime groups that are operating and making illicit business in certain Italian areas in which native criminal syndicates have not invested yet.

Nigerian criminal groups operating in Italy IIn Nigeria, a country devastated by wars and dictatorships, which became independent in 1960, cults24 have turned into real criminal organizations which can expand internationally and reach different continents exploiting migration flows. Nigerian couriers were first used in Italy as drug couriers in the 80ies but many investigations have revealed that Nigerian cult groups are now deep-rooted in our country. They mainly try to avoid disputes with native criminal groups, as it emerged from the enquiry carried out by the State Police Investigating Unit in Palermo which led to the preventive detention order25 against 19 Nigerian citizens for Mafia-type offences and other crimes. Although such non aggressive behaviour has recently been confirmed by the Antimafia District Directorate in Palermo as far as the relations with cosa nostra in Palermo are concerned, in Campania the coexistence between local and Nigerian criminal groups has not always been peaceful. In the past, along the coast of Campania for example, there were harsh disputes over drug pushing between the two groups, but over the last years investigations have revealed that Nigerian criminal groups have now gained control over some areas along the coast and can compete

23 As it is known, fentanyl is one of the most purchased drugs on the dark web illegal market. Its consumpton caused, mainly in Northern America several deaths for overdose. It is a synthetc opioid, with efects similar to those of morphine and heroin, but extremely more powerful and lethal even if taken in small doses.

24 Originally confned to the Nigerian universites to assist students in solving their practcal problems, also cooperatng with the universites, cults- which are the heirs of the older confraternity called PYRATES, have in tme taken a violent and dangerous character, typical of criminal organizatons, commitng serious and bloody events, above all against rival cults, thus completely changing their goals.

25 Preventve detenton Order of the Prosecutor’s Ofce DDA in Palermo on 21.3.2019 within the Criminal Proceeding 2495/2017.

30 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

as equals with local camorra clans without any subordination link. This transnational feature has been confirmed by the investigations carried out, a recent example is the operation of the State Police Investigating Unit in Cagliari26, which led to the arrest of couriers and members of a syndicate importing cocaine and heroin from South Africa, Mozambique and Holland, with the assistance of Nigerian nationals living in Como and Castel Volturno (CE) who acted as brokers. Nigerian syndicates are characterized by their aggressive behavior, which makes them extremely violent both within and outside their own groups and by the support received by their membership to the cult groups. The above-mentioned features together with their affiliation membership rites and strict internal rules - to avoid severe sanctions- as well as their efficient hierarchical and linear distribution of power, generate strong fear and make the Nigerian community respect the code of silence. An investigation by the State Police Investigating Unit in Catania27 highlighted that the subjects arrested were all members of the same cell operating in the area of Catania with the operational basis at C.A.R.A. di Mineo (reception centre for asylum seekers) in Catania. After having imposed their supremacy over other rival cult groups their trade in marijuana, cocaine and psychotropic substances was so flourishing that the reception centre had become an important hub supplying the Nigerian pushers operating in Catania, Caltagirone and Caltanissetta. More than one investigation - concluded or still underway - has highlighted that Nigerian criminal groups are able to manage heroin retail distribution in Italy and can steadily import the drug thanks to a network of transnational contacts who have, at their disposal, a “human reservoir” of swallowers, often EU nationals with EU passports, travelling on organized trips. Recruitment is very rapid and, after testing the ability of mules to swallow large foodstuffs, they are ready to ingest drug pellets, as proven by the operation “Church 2018” carried out by the State Police Investigating Unit in Turin. Latest investigative results have highlighted the extremely wide operational scope of Nigerian groups in managing retail drug markets. The operation “Bat24”, led by the State Police Investigating Unit in Florence, dismantled a criminal syndicate made up of African nationals, mostly Nigerians, involved in cocaine, heroin and marijuana pushing. Through a series of simulated drug buys, investigators have detected more than 200 street- level drug sales over less than one month and a half. The operation ended in January 2019 with the execution of 26 delayed arrests. The heroin trafficked had an extremely high active principle. Laboratory tests have often identified the use of synthetic opioids as adulterants, that are responsible for a series of central nervous system disorders and - if combined with heroin - can amplify its effects generating addiction. This heroin is sold at a low price and allows to produce higher quantities than those usually available on

26 Coordinated by the Prosecutor’s Ofce , DDA in Cagliari within the Criminal Proceeding 7135/2017.

27 Coordinated by the Prosecutor’s Ofce, DDA in Catania within the Criminal Proceeding 9184/2018.

31 the market. Consumers are thus attracted by this adulterated drug which generates total addiction; in this way, they need to buy the same substance. As a result, dealers can have the total control over the territory and the “exclusive sale”. Investigators have identified a close network of “mules" who launder the money flying to and from Nigeria, which proves their connection to their country of origin. The Operational Analysis Section of DCSA analyzed the data on money transfers made by Nigerian migrants working in Italy28, through payment institutes or other licensed brokers and without using accounts opened in the name of the payer or beneficiary (cash transactions). It came out that money was circulating in North East Italy. However, the data referring to some Sicilian provinces like Catania and Palermo are worth of interest since with a population of less than a thousand inhabitants, between 2017 and 2018, there had been an increase in money transactions of 315% e 272%, respectively.

Nigerian nationals living in Italy29: 117.358 (2.2%) out 5,255,503 foreign nationals on 1 January 2019

% on all % variation Money Money % variation Population LOMBARDY Nigerians previous transfers* transfers* previous 2018 in Italy year 2017 2018 year Milan 2,438 2.07% +9.7% 1.161 2.603 +124.20% Brescia 2,549 2.17% +11.2% 0.555 1.730 +211.71% Bergamo 2,279 1.94% +8.8% 0.481 1.159 +140.95% Monza-Brianza 1,171 0.99% +23.3% 0.201 0.978 +386.57% Varese 978 0.83% +7.6% 0.266 0.925 +247.74% Pavia 1,142 0.97% +16.3% 0.165 0.449 +172.12% Como 1,090 0.93% +12.0% 0.178 0.374 +110.12% Lodi 891 0.76% +18.0% 0.130 0.319 +145.68% Mantua 1,255 1.07% +14.7% 0.113 0.278 +146.01% Cremona 1,360 1.58% +29.0% 0.052 0.233 +348.07% Sondrio 344 0.29% +14.3% 0.060 0.172 +186.66% Lecco 616 0.52% +18.2% 0.084 0.155 +84.52% Total Region 16,113 13.73% +13.9% 3.466 9.375 +170.48%

% on all % variation Money Money % variation Population VENETO Nigerians previous transfers* transfers* previous 2018 in Italy year 2017 2018 year 4,013 3.42% +4.6% 1.586 6.968 +339.34% Vicenza 1,889 1.61% +14.1% 0.423 1.754 +314.66% Verona 3,980 3.39% +14.7% 0.419 1.670 +298.57% Treviso 2,388 2.03% +12.4% 0.199 0.935 +369.85% Venice 2,083 1.77% +9.5% 0.237 0.821 +246.41% Rovigo 792 0.67% +13.1% 0.120 0.173 +44.16% Belluno 223 0.19% +0.9% 0.032 0.106 +231.25% Total Region 15,368 13.09% +10.5% 3.016 12.427 +312.04%

28 Data referred to the Italian regions of Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia Romagna and Sicily.

29 Source: ISTAT. * Fonte: Banca d'Italia - rimesse in milioni di euro.

32 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

% on all % variation Money Money % variation EMILIA Population Nigerians previous transfers* transfers* previous ROMAGNA 2018 in Italy year 2017 2018 year Modena 2,691 2.29% +12.0% 1.109 3.028 +173.04% Bologna 1,899 1.62% +6.1% 0.661 2.166 +227.68% Ravenna 2,055 1.75% -1.5% 0.653 2.146 +228.64% Reggio Emilia 2,123 1.81% +4.9% 0.661 1.923 +190.92% Rimini 419 0.36% +45.0% 0.126 1.211 +861.11% Piacenza 978 0.83% +8.3% 0.315 0.973 +208.88% Forlì-Cesena 1,411 1.20% +7.0% 0.168 0.857 +410.12% Ferrara 1,669 1.42% +13.0% 0.191 0.506 +164.92% Parma 2,368 2.02% +5.2% 0.146 0.447 +206.16% Total Region 15,613 13.30% +7.4% 4.030 13.257 +228.96%

% on all % variation Money Money % variation Population SICILIA Nigerians previous transfers* transfers* previous 2018 in Italy year 2017 2018 year Palermo 988 0.84% +27.6% 0.829 3.084 +272.01% Catania 838 0.71% +26.8% 0.182 0.756 +315.38% Siracusa 622 0.53% +16.3% 0.135 0.557 +312.59% Messina 364 0.31% +37.9% 0.164 0.297 +81.10% Agrigento 453 0.39% +12.7% 0.072 0.294 +308.33% Trapani 777 0.66% +3.6% 0.103 0.280 +171.84% Caltanissetta 172 0.15% -23.2% 0.115 0.266 +131.30% Ragusa 371 0.32% +13.1% 0.061 0.205 +236.06% Enna 192 0.16% +50.0% 0.012 0.028 +133.33% Total Region 4,777 4.07% +17.5% 1.673 5.767 +244.71%

Criminal groups in Rome Considering its geographic position in the centre of Italy, Rome is an important hub for illicit trade by land routes along the highways “Autostrada del Sole” and “Autostrada dei Parchi” and by railway routes through its high-speed rail network. Moreover, Rome has two airports and a port, Civitavecchia port, which contribute to its strategic importance. Being the seat of important infrastructures, of a series of economic and business activities as well as of the main administrative institutions, Rome is very interesting to organized crime groups from other geographic regions who think that the area is less controlled by law enforcement agencies and that they can have more chances of not being discovered. Within this complex though alluring scenario, conventional criminal syndicates have infiltrated the area and the economic and business sector by trafficking in drugs and laundering drug proceeds, with the assistance of many local criminals. It is the picture emerging from the Report of the General Prosecutor of the Republic at Rome Court of Appeal on the opening of 2019 judicial year: "Recent investigations […] have confirmed that we are witnessing a new phenomenon. Besides registering properties or business activities in the name of “clean” subjects and remotely participating in the business […], mafia syndicates are using more complex forms to invest their proceeds : by penetrating a new and rich socio-economic

33 tissue like the Roman one, which is full of potentialities, Camorra families and ‘Ndrangheta clans are exporting whole “business sectors” to the city by relocating and more often recreating their business, in particular drug trade". Although this coexistence between different crime groups has mostly been peaceful and the modus operandi relies on “invisibility” to maximize profits, there have also been “bloody events” because of violation of the clan “codes”. Many investigations have highlighted the links between Italian Mafia syndicates - through their Roman branches - and local Roman crime groups. The judicial authorities have already ascertained the link between Mafia members from Sicily and members of the (a criminal organization based in Rome) and have witnessed brutal struggles between clans as it was during the camorra wars in previous decades30. The investigation called "Grande Raccordo Criminale31", carried out by the Economic and Financial Unit of the Guardia di Finanza in Rome allowed to dismantle a criminal drug group operating in Rome which had relations with suppliers from Albania, Apulia and Calabria. 51 arrest warrants were issued, 3700 kg of hashish and about 60 kg of cocaine were seized. The criminal group was very "versatile", according to the criminal purposes pursued. It also resorted to strategic alliances with other groups and it was considered one of the richest, most powerful, and unscrupulous organizations in Rome. Its members used special applications installed on their smart phones which could encrypt communications and made it difficult to be intercepted; thus allowing speakers to feel safe and secure. Moreover, Rome has completely different features from the places of origin of conventional Mafia- type organizations: its huge territorial extension and its three million inhabitants make it a wide drug market where all clans may have their own action field. Through the operation "Re Mida 201632", carried out by the Economic and Financial Unit of the Guardia di Finanza in Rome, it was possible to identify a dangerous criminal organization which operated in a district of Rome and relied on the support of members of the Bellocco di Rosarno (RC) ‘ndrina and Coluccia clan of the from the area of Lecce in order to find cocaine and hashish and sell them in Rome. As it was discovered, the organization had a real arsenal and a clandestine lab for processing and packaging the drugs. Also the operation "Extra Fines 2 – Cleandro33", carried out by the State Police Investigating Unit in Caltanissetta and by the Economic and Financial Unit of the Guardia di Finanza in Rome highlighted important connections between the Rinzivillo clan and Rome, Lombardy and Germany which helped them maximize drug proceeds and reinvest them in the legal economy.

30 From the report of the General Prosecutor at the Court of Appeal in Rome opening 1984 judicial year: “…Rome has become the epicentre of mafa, camorra and ‘ndrangheta, who operate in the most disparate and proftable sectors, from drugs to …”.

31 O.C.C.C. 4980/16/RGNR and 24411/19RGGIP of the G.I.P.at the Court in Rome.

32 OCCC n. 13838/16 RGNR, n. 6421/17 RGGIP of the G.I.P. at the Court in Rome.

33 O.C.C.C. n. 1478/17 R.G.N.R., 1305/17 R.G.GIP del GIP di Caltanisseta e O.C.C.C. n. 33561/18 R.G.N.R., 24605/18 R.G.GIP del GIP di Roma.

34 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

The numerous and versatile business activities operating in the city offer great opportunities to reinvest drug proceeds, as it is documented by the properties confiscated from members of organized crime groups. Moreover, Rome and its surroundings are a strategic area for foreign groups who can carve out enough space for their business and their relations with other clans. As an example, Investigation AQUILA NERA34, carried out by the State Police Investigating Unit in Rome led to the identification of an Albanian criminal group living in the Capital and trafficking in cocaine, heroin and weapons. 9 Albanian nationals were arrested and 180 kg of cocaine coming from the Netherlands were seized. However, apart from such groups, which are the long arms of conventional mafia-type groups, Rome is also the operational scenario of autonomous crime syndicates, which are characterized by a fluid organizational structure and are linked to mafia-type groups by common interests. They may enter into mutual business alliances without pre-set rules, on the basis of heterogeneous elements connected to their places of origin but slowly becoming more and more independent from such mafia organizations. To complete the picture, mention must be made of the groups belonging to the gipsy families who arrived in Rome in the 70ies but have now settled down and consolidated their presence entering into closer relations with mafia-type groups. Their areas of interest include the southern part of Rome, Castelli Romani, the coastline from Ostia to Nettuno. Drug trafficking but also usury and other illicit activities allow them to reinvest the huge proceeds in the different sectors of the Roman legal economy. The following investigations are worth mentioning: - Operation "BRASILE LOW COST35", carried out by the Investigative Unit on Organized Crime of the Guardia di Finanza in Rome into a criminal group linked both to the Casamonica clan and to members of Montenegrin and Albanian crime who organized a "cartel" made up of different drug trafficking syndicates, which joined together to finance the importation by air of 600 kg of cocaine from Brazil; - Operation "SAGUNTO ESPUGNATA36", carried out by the Provincial Unit of the Carabinieri in Rome into members of the Roman Casamonica clan pushing drugs in the Southern districts of Rome; - Operation "TARTARUGA37", carried out by the Special Operational Unit (ROS) of the Carabinieri in Rome into a criminal group (s.c. Fragalà clan from Catania) who operated along the Rome coastline and committed different crimes, including drug trafficking. The operation ended with 30 preventive custody orders.

34 OCCC n. 1478/17 RGNR, 1305/17 RGGIP of the G.I.P in Caltanisseta and OCCC n. 33561/18 RGNR, 24605/18 RGGIP of the G.I.P in Rome.

35 O.C.C.C. n. 8018/17 RGNR, n. 997/2018 RGGIP of the G.I.P.at the Court in Rome.

36 O.C.C.C. n. 6230/17 RGNR, n.39409/18 RGGIP of the G.I.P. at the Court in Rome.

37 O.C.C.C. n. 46217/13 RGNR, n.24532/13 RGGIP del G.I.P. at the Court in Rome.

35 Presence of criminal groups in the football clubs The issue of Mafia infiltration in the most important areas of social aggregation, such as football clubs, as highlighted in the last years by the judicial proceedings and criminal offences connected to the football world, induced the Anti-Mafia Parliamentary Commission, already in 2017, to take stock of the situation and review the infiltration of organized crime by conducting several auditions of the leadership of Italian football federation (FIGC) and of the representatives of the professional football leagues. The above-mentioned picture was clearly outlined by investigation "KERKENT", carried out by the Anti-Mafia Investigation Directorate in Agrigento. It came out that the drug had been supplied through the Calabrian channels by criminals with previous drug records who had operated in this illicit sector for years and had in most cases connections to the Palermo organized crime. It emerged that Agrigento was one of the most important drug markets and that the contact man was a citizen from Agrigento and leader of a football club in Turin38 member of a criminal organization in the province of Turin who played an important role in the investigation and had connections to foreign drug dealers. He was already known to the police authorities due to an interview on a national TV when he said that he had earned so much money from the black sale of football match tickets that he had been in a position to buy some real estate properties (interview given on the TV programme Report in autumn 2018). Moreover, for the first time the court in Milan ordered the precautionary seizure of assets39 from a member of a football club in milan40, for a value of hundreds of thousands Euros. The seizure was carried out by the Anti-Crime Division at the Police Headquarters in Milan. Further investigations also identified drug connections to top-ranking criminals who were members of organized crime and able to move huge quantities of drugs and distribute considerable amounts of drugs among football fans also using their charismatic role as leaders and the fan meeting places as logistic bases. Recent settling of scores, including the of the leader of a footbal club41 and the investigations carried out, have highlighted that the risk of infiltration is still high. The Anti-Mafia Commission42 itself focused its attention on the murder - which looked like an execution - of a criminal who had a double role, both as leader of a football club in Rome and as a top-ranking member of a drug trafficking organized group. As a leader he could use his personal charisma to intimidate both football fans and the members of organized groups. He could recruit affiliates among the football fans and assign them specific tasks as it emerged from the investigation "Grande Raccordo

38 Juventus ultras leader of the group “BRAVI RAGAZZI”.

39 Order no. 64/19 dated 18.6.2019 by the Court of Milan – Secton “Measures of Preventon”.

40 Lucci Luca ultras leader of Milan football club.

41 On August 17th, 2019 Fabrizio Piscitelli, 53 Roman citzen, known as “Diabolik”, historical hooligan leader of Lazio ultras was shot dead in a district of Rome (Tuscolano).

42 REPORT ON MAFIA AND FOOTBALL ( Rapporteurs Hon. Rosy Bindi, Hon. Marco Di Lello), approved by the Commission during its seat on December 14th, 2017, pages. 42,43.

36 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

Criminale43", carried out by the Economic and Financial Unit of the Guardia di Finanza in Rome, already analyzed in the fact sheet "Criminal Groups in the Capital Rome". The judicial framework highlights that besides the threat posed by the crimes committed in the drug and economic fields another danger is represented by the leadership power assigned by crime groups to football leaders and by their double role which is a multiplier coefficient of their intimidation power to exercise in both sectors.

43 O.C.C.C. 4980/16/RGNR and 24411/19RGGIP of the G.I.P. at the Court in Rome.

37 375 351 347 200 320 313 305 316 167,39 300 285 279 160

224 225 215 120 97,35 102,04 77,21 150 80 68,33 71,84 50,99 50,30 53,93 75 40 22,84

0 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

480 90.000 445 433 447 78.904 412 390 393 386 75.000 400 358 327 305 60.000 51.907 320 45.000 240

26.765 26.534 30.000 22.727 160 19.839 16.582 19.137 15.000 7.536 9.344 80

0 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY AT NATIONAL LEVEL

INTRODUCTION The analysis of data regarding antidrug operations, reports to the Judicial Authorities and drug seizures shows that in 2019 the fight against the traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances conducted in Italy, in the neighbouring and international waters by the Italian law enforcement agencies have been productive and incisive. Considering only the interventions for criminal acts, in 2019, 25,876 operations were conducted (+0.70% with respect to 2018). Such operations led to 34,914 persons being reported to the Judicial Authorities (-2.93%), of whom 13,775 were foreign nationals (-3.48%) and 1,281 minors (+0.16%), as well as to the seizure of 54,675.68 kg (-55.66%) of drugs. All data are described in details in the table below. As to drug deaths, an increase of 11.01% was registered.

Drug seizures 2018 2019 % variaton 2019

Cocaine kg 3,633.17 8,269.54 127.61%

Heroin kg 976.77 614.76 -37.06%

Cannabis

Hashish kg 78,537.47 21,005.44 -73.25%

Marijuana kg 39,276.11 23,632.08 -39.83%

Cannabis plants (Plants no.) 524,424 223,541 -57.37% Synthetc drugs

tablets/doses (no.) 26,534 51,907 95.62%

kg 77.21 102.04 32.16% Other drugs

tablets/doses (no.) 7,551 7,550 -0.01%

kg 799.91 1,051.84 31.49%

Kg 123,300.64 54,675.68 -55.66%

Total tablets/doses (no.) 34,085 59,457 74.44%

Plants (no.) 524,424 223,541 -57.37%

Drug operatons 25,696 25,876 0.70%

Persons reported to the Judicial Authority 35,969 34,914 -2.93%

Drug abuse deaths 336 373 11.01%

39 Comparison between the drugs seized in the two-year period 2018/2019 Kilograms

100,000

78,537.47 80,000 2018 2019 60,000

39,276.11 40,000

21,005.44 23,632.08 20,000 8,269.54 3,633.17 976.77 614.76 77.21 102.04 799.91 1,051.81 0 Cocaine Heroin Hashish Marijuana SyntheticSinthetic drugsdrugs Other drugs

Doses/plants/tablets

625,000 The most significant seizures were made, for 524,424 cocaine at Genoa port (2,101.89 kg), for heroin 500,000 2018 2019 in Brescia (43 kg), for hashish (6,200 kg) in the 375,000 International waters, for marijuana (1,531.80 250,000 223,541 kg) in the waters facing Castrignano del Capo 125,000 51,907 26,534 7,551 7,550 (LE) and for synthetic drugs 13.29 kg of D.M.T. 0 Cannabis plants SyntheticSinthetic drugs drugs Other drugs (Dimethyltryptamine) and 9.70 kg of M.D.A amphetamine at Malpensa airport. Mention must also be made of the data on major seizures of psychoactive substances, whose consumption is not commonly widespread in our country: 115.54 kg of khat (or Qat), 61 kg of poppy bulbs and 15 kg of morphine. Cocaine traffickers active in Italy mainly resorted to the Colombian market. They imported cocaine mainly through Latin American countries such as Chile, Ecuador, Venezuela, Brazil and Dominican Republic and, once in Europe, via Spain and the Netherlands. The heroin sold on the Italian market is mainly produced in Afghanistan and is brought to our country through Turkey and the Balkan peninsula. Trafficking by plane along the Southern Route (directly from Pakistan or via Africa) is on the rise. Instead, the routes involving Morocco, Spain and France are used by the criminal networks to transport hashish, in large quantities, along maritime routes involving the Italian ports on the Western coast. As to synthetic drugs, the Dutch market is still playing a significant role in our country. Most marijuana shipments are transported through the routes from Albania and Greece. The main criminal groups involved in large-scale trafficking are, as usual, the following: - cocaine: the ‘Ndrangheta, the Camorra and the Balkan and South American organizations; - heroin: organized crime from Campania and Apulia that are in close contact with the Albanian and Balkan organizations; - cannabis derivatives: organized crime from Lazio, Apulia and Sicily, along with groups from Maghreb, Spain and Albania.

40 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

Ten-year trend Since 2010, the average value regarding antidrug operations has always been around 23,000, with a peak of 26,012 in 2017 and the lowest level of 19,301 in 2015. Since 2010, the total quantity of drug seizures has been over 31 tons, with a peak of 154,506 kg in 2014 and the lowest level of 31,510 kg in 2010. Such significant variations are mainly due to the cannabis derivatives seizures, which, in the last decade, led to 73,000 kg of cannabis seized per year. In the last decade an average of 34,000 reports has been made to the Judicial Authority. The peak was registered in 2010 (39,342), while the lowest level was reached in 2015 (28,055).

Drug operations - ten-year trend

30,000

26,012 25,696 25,876 25,000 23,844 23,279 22,856 22,213 21,991 19,683 20,000 19,301

15,000

10,000

5,000

0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Drug seizures kg - ten-year trend

175,000 154,506.96 150,000

123,300.64 125,000 117,906.62

100,000 84,189.62 75,000 72,140.68 72,069.84 54,675.68 50,193.10 50,000 39,456.69 31,510.36 25,000

0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Persons reported - ten-year trend 45,000 39,342 40,000 37,225 35,617 35,558 35,969 34,914 35,000 34,041 33,271 30,040 30,000 28,055

25,000

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

41 Antidrug operations - regional distribution In the reporting year, Lombardy was the region with the highest number of operations (4,915), followed by Lazio, Campania, Emilia Romagna, Sicily and Piedmont. The lowest record was in and Valle d'Aosta. In comparison with 2018, police activities mainly increased in Piedmont, Lombardy, Valle d'Aosta, , and Emilia Romagna, while the most significant percentage decreases were registered in , , Molise, Regionale distribution - drug operations , Lazio and Apulia. % variaton 2018 2019 2019 The review of macro-areas revealed that, in 2019 Abruzzi 565 508 -10.09% the highest number of operations was carried out in Basilicata 204 220 7.84% Northern Italy, with 46.61%, followed by Southern Calabria 640 653 2.03% Italy and Islands with 29.48% and by Central Italy Campania 1,975 1,874 -5.11% with 23.91%. Emilia Romagna 1,734 1,818 4.84% Friuli Venezia Giulia 498 415 -16.67% Lazio 4,322 3,832 -11.34% ds Liguria 1,164 1,174 0.86% an C isl e d nt Lombardy 4,114 4,915 19.44% n ra a l y It Marche 719 630 -12.38% l a a l It y Molise 155 134 -13.55% 23.91% n

r 29.48% Piedmont 1,245 1,734 39.28% e

h t Apulia 1,785 1,583 -11.32%

u

o

Sardinia 774 849 9.69%

S

Sicily 1,977 1,806 -8.65%

1,456 1,448 -0.55%

Tuscany

504 452 -10.32%

Trentno Alto Adige

369 276 -25.20%

Umbria

28 32 14.29%

Valle d’Aosta

46.61%

N

1,458 1,519 4.18%

o

Veneto

r

t

h

e y l r n a t

Internatonal waters 10 4 -60.00% I Total 25,696 25,876 0.70%

Regional distribution - drug operations in 2019

5,600 4,915 4,800

4,000 3,832

3,200

2,400 1,874 1,818 1,734 1,806 1,583 1,448 1,519 1,600 1,174 849 800 508 653 630 415 452 276 220 134 32 0 Lazio Sicily Sicilia Puglia Liguria Molise Apulia Veneto Umbria Marche Calabria Toscana Abruzzi Sardinia Sardegna Basilicata Piemonte Campania Piedmont Lombardia Lombardy Valle D Aosta D Valle Friuli Ven. Gi. Ven. Friuli A. Ad. Emilia Romagna

42 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

Drug seizures - regional distribution Apulia, with 6,243.43 kg of drugs and 22,474 cannabis plants seized, registered the highest amount of seizures with respect to the other regions, followed by Sicily, Liguria, Lombardy, Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria and Campania. The lowest records were reached in Molise and Valle d'Aosta. With respect to 2018, drug seizures were on the increase in Valle d'Aosta, Abruzzi, Sardinia and Molise. The most considerable decreases, in percentage, were Regional distribution - drug seized registered in Sicily, Basilicata, Friuli Venezia Giulia, % variaton 2018 2019 2019 Campania and Apulia. Abruzzi 250.62 920.99 267.48 The review of macro-areas revealed that, in 2019, Basilicata 978.33 156.80 -83.97 the highest quantities of seizures were carried out Calabria 2,512.67 3,129.83 24.56 in Southern Italy and islands (48.31%), followed by Campania 10,492.40 2,686.29 -74.40 Northern Italy (33.04% ) and Central Italy (18.65%). Emilia Romagna 1,187.21 2,042.15 72.01 Friuli Venezia Giulia 735.55 163.65 -77.75 Lazio 9,785.54 3,691.60 -62.27 Liguria 1,837.51 4,296.18 133.80 C ent Lombardy 6,424.27 4,142.35 -35.52 ral It Marche 645.87 653.89 1.24 a s ly d Molise 30.03 106.05 253.18 18.65% n la s Piedmont 1,481.69 2,073.18 39.92 i

d

Apulia 18,435.57 6,243.43 -66.13 n

a

734.40 2,656.51 261.73 Sardinia y

l

48.31%

a

29,247.36 4,342.07 -85.15 t

Sicily

I

n

2,162.14 3,307.89 52.99 N

Tuscany r

o e

h

Trentno Alto Adige 413.65 275.84 -33.32 r t t

h u

33.04% e

Umbria 73.84 163.15 120.96 o

r

S

n

1.89 15.51 720.53 I

Valle d’Aosta t

a

l

y

1,567.71 833.97 -46.80

Veneto

34,302.40 12,774.35 -62.76

Internatonal waters

Total 123,300.64 54,675.68 -55.66

Regional distribution - drug seized in 2019

7,000 6,243.43 6,000

5,000 4,342.07 4,296.18 4,142.35

4,000 3,692.65 3,307.89 3,129.83

3,000 2,686.29 2,656.51 2,073.18 2,042.15 2,000 920.99 1,000 833.97 653.89 275.84 163.65 163.15 156.80 106.05 15.51 0 Lazio Sicilia Sicily Puglia Liguria Molise Veneto Apulia Umbria Marche Abruzzo Calabria Toscana Abruzzi Tuscany Sardinia Basilicata Sardegna Piemonte Campania Lombardia Piedmont Lombardy Valle DAosta Valle Friuli Ven. Giu. Trentino A. Ad. A. Trentino Emilia Romagna Emilia

43 DRUG TRAFFICKING TOWARDS ITALY In 2019, 54,675.68 kg of drugs were seized in Italy, 25,116.82 kg (45.94%) of which at borders, compared to 123,300.64 kg seized in 2018, with 65,340.41 kg (52.99%) at borders. In 2019 the total amount of intercepted drug at borders remarkably decreased by -61.56% with respect to 2018.

Total of national drug seizures/total of drug seizures at borders in kg 2018/2019

150,000 123,300.64 125,000

100,000

75,000 65,340.41 54,675.68 50,000 25,116.82 25,000

0 2018 2019 Territory at borders

In 2019, hashish is the most seized drug at borders (13,073.25 kg), with a sharp drop with respect to the previous year (48,066.17 kg), accounting for about 62.24% of the total intercepted quantity.

Hashish seizures at borders (kg) compared to the rest of illicit drugs (2019)

Hashish 13,073.25 52%

Other drugs 12,043.57 48%

44 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

As indicated below, in the chapter devoted to each substance, the following results can be highlighted: - the quantity of cocaine seized at borders in 2019, equal to 7,026.84 kg (of which 6,722.78 kg at sea borders), increased by 370.78% with respect to 1,492.61 kg of 2018; - the quantity of heroin seized at borders in 2019, shifted from 584.51 kg in 2018 to 185.40 kg in 2019 (-68.28%), thus showing an evident drop. It should be noted that data gathered in 2018 were influenced by a bulk seizure made at Genoa Port (about 266 kg); - the quantities (in kg) of synthetic drugs recorded an increase at borders (almost exclusively at air borders), passing from 15.69 kg in 2018 to 42.33 kg in 2019.

Cocaine (kg) seized at borders (2018/2019) Heroin (kg) seized at borders (2018/2019)

7,500 7,026.84 800 370.78% 584.51 5,000 600

400 2,500 185.40 1,492.61 200 -68.28% 0 0 2018 2019 2018 2019

Synthetic drugs (kg) seized at borders (2018/2019)

50 42.33 40 169.79% 30

20 15.69

10

0 2018 2019

45 THE FIGHT AGAINST COCAINE In 2019, the operations combating cocaine trade were 8,481 (+9.39% with respect to 2018), showing a significant increase in the quantities seized, from 3,633 kg in 2018 to 8,269 kg in 2019 (+127.61%). The reports pertaining to cocaine-related offences were also on the rise accounting for 13,697 (+4.36%), resulting in the arrest of 10,224 subjects. The most important seizures occurred at Genoa port in January (2,101.89 kg), at Gioia Tauro port in November (1,176.71 kg) and at Livorno port in January (643.74 kg). Out of 13,697 persons reported for cocaine-related offences, 1,123 (8.20%) were women, 233 foreigners (-1.70%), in particular from Romania, Albania, Morocco, Nigeria and Brazil. Among 224 (1.64%) minors reported for cocaine-related offences, 119 (0.87%) were foreign nationals, in particular from Senegal, Tunisia, Gabon, Morocco and Albania.

Persons As to the type of offence, 85.88% persons were reported to the J.A. for cocaine reported for drug trafficking/pushing and 14.11% % variaton 2018 2019 2019 for conspiracy to drug trafficking. Type of report Arrested 9,827 10,224 4.04% Reported but not arrested 3,174 3,343 5.32% cocaine - type of offence 2018/2019 At large 124 130 4.84% Type of ofence 14,000 11,763 Illicit trafcking (Art.73) 11,150 11,763 5.50% 12,000 11,150 Conspiracy to trafc (Art.74) 1,973 1,933 -2.03% 10,000 Other ofences 2 1 -50.00% 8,000 2018 2019 6,000 Natonality 4,000 1,973 1,933 Italy 8,297 8,324 0.33% 2,000 2 1 Other countries 4,828 5,373 11.29% 0 Morocco 1448 1457 0.62% Illicit trafficking (Art.73) Conspiracy to traffic (Art.74) Other offences Albania 1294 1422 9.89% Tunisia 468 452 -3.42% 30.76 % of the total number of persons reported Nigeria 248 366 47.58% Senegal 208 347 66.83% to the Judicial Authority for cocaine are in the 40/ Gender over age group; 18.08% in the 25 - 29 age group Males 11,987 12,574 4.90% and 16.93% in the 30 - 34 age group. The youngest Females 1,138 1,123 -1.32% (< 18) represent 1.64% of the total number of the Age persons reported at national level. Of age 12,951 13,473 4.03% Minors 174 224 28.74% Percentage incidence of age groups in the total amount of the reports to the J.A. in cocaine offences 2019 Age groups 36% < 15 10 10 0.00% 30.76% 15 ÷ 19 657 707 7.61% 30% 20 ÷ 24 2,034 2,163 6.34% 24% 18.08% 16.93% 25 ÷ 29 2,413 2,477 2.65% 18% 15.79% 13.20% 30 ÷ 34 2,203 2,319 5.27% 12% 5.16% 35 ÷ 39 1,850 1,808 -2.27% 6% ≥ 40 3,958 4,213 6.44% 0.07% 0% Total 13,125 13,697 4.36% < 15 15 ÷ 19 20 ÷ 24 25 ÷ 29 30 ÷ 34 35 ÷ 39 ≥ 40

46 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

The cocaine seized during antidrug operations was mainly concealed on the persons (1,457 cases), in houses (1,070 cases), in cars (363cases), in body cavities (133 cases) and in luggage (61 cases). The analysis of cases in which the drug origin was thoroughly ascertained, shows that the cocaine mainly came from Colombia, Brazil, Honduras, Ecuador, Guatemala, Peru, the Netherlands, Argentina, France, Mexico, Germany, Belgium and Chile.

Main cocaine origin countries (kg) - cases ascertained in 2019

5,250

4,500 4,314.40

3,750

3,000

2,250

1,500 964.92 750 643.74 301.35 271.90 157.06 84.99 21.26 19.13 19.11 10.24 10.21 9.92 0 Colombia Brazil Honduras Ecuador Guatemala Peru Holland Argentine France Mexico Germany Belgium Chile

Ten-year trend From 2010 to 2014, the trends pertaining to cocaine operations and persons reported to the judicial authorities constantly decreased, while these values have been constantly growing since 2015. The ten-year average amount of seizures was about 4,900 kg per year, with a peak in the reporting year, with 8,270 kg and in 2011 with 6,348 kg. cocaine operations Seizures (kg) of cocaine

10,000 10,000 8,750 8,481 8,750 8,269.54 7,433 7,753 7,145 6,996 7,500 7,500 6,790 6,728 6,348.43 6,099 6,250 6,250 5,310.45 5,224 4,973.35 4,805 5,000 4,716.69 5,000 4,054.11 4,107.38 3,847.70 3,886.32 3,633.17 3,750 3,750 2,500 2,500 1,250 1,250 0 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Persons reported to the J. A. for cocaine offences Piacenza 3.5 kg of cocaine August 2019 (State Police)

16,000 14,002 13,697 14,000 13,255 12,766 13,125 11,790 11,800 12,000 11,118 10,000 9,218 9,316 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

47 Cocaine seizures - regional distribution The regions where the largest quantities of cocaine were seized are Liguria, Calabria, Tuscany, Lazio, Lombardy, Sicily, Campania and Emilia Romagna while the lowest quantities were registered in Molise and Valle d'Aosta. In comparison with 2018 a significant increase in seizures was registered

Regional in Calabria, Liguria, Basilicata, Tuscany, Sardinia, distribution - cocaine seizures Lombardy, Abruzzi and Campania. % variaton 2018 2019 2019 The most considerable percentage decreases were Abruzzi 10.77 14.89 38.20% registered in Veneto, Molise, Trentino Alto Adige Basilicata 1.70 4.10 141.49% and Friuli Venezia Giulia. Calabria 225.80 2,218.72 882.62% Considering the macro-areas, 47.75% of cocaine Campania 104.10 127.95 22.91% seizures occurred in the North, 32.01% in the Emilia Romagna 112.37 112.67 0.26% South and islands and 20.24% in Central Italy. Friuli Venezia Giulia 8.19 3.18 -61.21% Lazio 606.47 489.94 -19.21% Liguria 381.00 3,280.24 760.95%

Lombardy 254.55 409.84 61.01% ds C lan en Marche 21.52 13.32 -38.13% is tr al nd I a ta Molise 3.18 0.78 -75.42% l ly y a 57.65 37.58 -34.82% t 20.24% Piedmont I

n

r Apulia 92.14 67.08 -27.20% 32.01% e

h t Sardinia 42.08 76.20 81.09% u

o

S

135.20 137.57 1.75%

Sicily

Tuscany 589.25 1,166.95 98.04%

Trentno Alto Adige 137.52 47.87 -65.19%

Umbria 4.16 3.51 -15.68%

Valle d’Aosta 0.24 0.15 -38.59%

N

845.26 57.01 -93.26%

Veneto

o

47.75%

r

t

h

e

International waters - - -

r

n

I

t

a

l

y

Total 3,633.17 8,269.54 127.61%

Regional distribution - cocaine seizures in 2019

4,000 3,280.24

3,000 2,218.72 2,000 1,166.95 1,000 489.94 409.84 137.57 127.95 112.67 76.20 67.08 57.01 47.87 37.58 13.32 14.89 0.78 3.51 0.15 3.18 0 4.10 Lazio Sicily Sicilia Puglia Apulia Liguria Molise Veneto Umbria Marche Toscana Abruzzo Calabria Abruzzi Tuscany Sardinia Sardegna Basilicata Piemonte Campania Piedmont Lombardy Lombardia Valle Aosta D Friuli Ven. Giu. Trentino A. Ad. A. Trentino Emilia Romagna Emilia

48 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

COCAINE FLOWS TOWARDS ITALY In the two-year period 2018/2019 the incidence of seizures at borders, with respect to the total seizures at national level, shifted from 41.08%% to 84.97%

Total of cocaine national seizures/kg total of seizures at borders 2018/2019

10,000 8,269.54 7,500 7,026.84 84.97% 5,000 3,633.17

2,500 1,492.61 41.08% 0 2018 Territory at borders 2019

In 2019: - 8,269.54 kg of cocaine were seized at national level, with an increase of 127.61% in comparison with 3,633.17 kg in 2018; - seizures at borders amounted to 7,026.84 kg, with an increase of 370.78% in comparison with 1,492.61 kg in 2018.

Cocaine seizures at borders kg 2018 Cocaine seizures at borders kg 2019

Air Air 227.05 Land 104.38 279.54 15.21% 3.98% 6.99% Land 24.52 0.35%

Maritime Maritime 1,161.18 6,722.78 77.80% 95.67%

49 The largest quantities of cocaine were seized at maritime borders, with a further incidence increase in relation to the total quantities intercepted at borders, shifting from 77.80% in 2018 to 95.67% in 2019. The port areas of the Western coast were mainly used to introduce cocaine into our country. In particular, most cocaine shipments were intercepted at Genoa port (3,124.73 kg), followed by Gioia Tauro port (2,202.55 kg) and Livorno port (1,113.46 kg). The histogram below indicates the trend of cocaine seizures made at Genoa port.

Cocaine seizures at Genoa port (kg) 2010/2019

3,600 3,124.73 3,000

2,400

1,800

1,200

600 411.68 164.23 295.51 209.97 295.34 294.25 297.00 5.26 0.00 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

In 2019, as you can see in the graph below, the Gioia Tauro port reached its peak if compared to the last ten year values.

Cocaine seizures at Gioia Tauro port (RC) kg 2010/2019

2,400 2,116.96 2,202.55

1,912.22 1,800 1,653.16 1,649.20 1,442.99 1,185.45 1,200 1,082.51

743.00

600 217.78

0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

According to information available, in 2019 the alleged major origin countries of the cocaine seized at sea borders, were: - Colombia, 4,305.99 kg; - Brazil, 810.86 kg; - Honduras, 643.74 kg; - Ecuador, 298.25 kg; - Guatemala, 271.90 kg; - Peru, 93 kg .

50 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

The incidence of cocaine consignments coming from Colombia was significant; its overall quantity was equal to 64.05% with respect to the total quantity intercepted at sea borders (6,722.78 kg). The persons reported to the Judicial Authority for operations conducted in maritime areas globally concerned 19 subjects: out of them, 10 Italian nationals, 4 Albanians, 2 Romanians, 1 Colombian, 1 Venezuelan and a Spanish national. In 2019, the cocaine seizures at air borders were equal to 279.54 kg, 23.12% more with respect to 227.05 kg in 2018. The graph below shows an increase, in the last two years, in the quantities of cocaine transported by air carrier, after a progressively declining trend from 2012 to 2017.

Cocaine seizures at air borders kg 2010/2019

1,200

938.48 822.29 764.81

600 545.02 459.01

320.72 279.54 251.99 227.05 180.19

0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

The Italian airport where major quantities of cocaine were seized in 2019 was Fiumicino International Airport (RM), with 157.64 kg (56.39% of the total quantity seized at air borders), followed by Malpensa (VA) airport, with 87.47 kg and Linate (MI) airport, with 19.74 kg. These three airports have accounted for 94.75% of the total of cocaine seized at the Italian airports.

Among the main countries of origin of major quantities transported by air, Brazil and Peru confirmed to be at first places followed by Mexico, standing out if compared with the previous year: - Brazil, 141.45 kg; - Peru, 63.60 kg; - Mexico, 19.11 kg; - Chile, 9.92 kg; - Colombia, 8.41 kg .

In this context, 129 subjects were reported to the Judicial Authority: most of them were Brazilian nationals (29), Nigerians (18), Italians and Peruvians (15).

In 2019, 24.52 kg of cocaine were seized at land borders, with a decrease of 76.5% with respect to 104.38 kg seized in 2018.

Major seizures were made at the motorway border post of Vipiteno (BZ) with 8.99 Kg, followed by the railway border crossing in Domodossola (4.85 kg) and Brogeda border point (4.38 kg).

51 COCAINE MAIN CUSTOMS AREAS IN TERMS OF DRUG SEIZURES/INCIDENCE OF SEIZURES MADE AT BORDERS

Airport Airport √ Linate (MI) 19.74 kg (7.06%) √ Orio al Serio (BG) 2.24 kg (0.80%) BCP Airport BCP √ Domodossola ffss (VB) 4.85 kg (19.77%) √ Malpensa (VA) 87.47 kg (31.29%) √ Brennero ffss (BZ) 3.53 kg (14.38%) BCP BCP √ Brogeda (CO) 4.38 kg (17.87%) √ Motorway border post Vipiteno (BZ) 9.00 kg (36.68%)

0.00 12.52 0.01 113.84 4.85 4.58

Airport √ Treviso 1.81 kg (0.65%) 3,260.05 4.60 Port Airport √ √ Genoa 3,124.73 kg (46.48%) Marco Polo (VE) 1.64 kg (0.59%) Port Airport 1,114.48 √ √ Vado Ligure (SV) 132.56 kg (1.97%) Villafranca (VR) 1.13 kg (0.40%) BCP 0.00 Airport √ √ Ventmiglia ffss (IM) 2.66 kg (10.86%) 0.00 G, Marconi (BO) 4.60 kg (1.64%) Airport Port √ √ G, Galilei (PI) 1.02 kg (0.36%) Bari 6.76 kg (0.10%) 253.50 0.00 Port √ Livorno 1,113.46 kg (16.56%) 0.00 Port 6.76 √ Civitavecchia (RM) 94.62 (1.41%) 29.97 19.05 Airport √ Fiumicino (RM) 157.65 kg (56.39%) Airport Port 0.00 √ Ciampino (RM) 1.24 kg 0.44%) √ Salerno 18.37 kg (0.27%)

Port √ Isola Bianca (SS) 16.06 kg (0.24%) 2,202.55 Port √ Olbia (SS) 13.01 kg (0.19%)

0.10 Port √ Gioia Tauro (RC) 2,202.55 kg (32.76%)

Persons reported to the J.A. at borders for cocaine (176 persons, of whom 26 Italians and 150 foreigners)

Nigeria 36

Brazil 29 Germany 4 United States Peru 15 of America 4 Hungary 2 Colombia 12 Ukraine 3 France 2 Portugal 2

Venezuela 8 Bolivia 3 Mexco 2 Cuba 1

Spain 7 Dominican Rep. 3 Argentna 2 Poland 1 Japan 1

Albania 6 Romania 2 Ghana 2 Tunisia 1 Iraq 1 Guatemala 1

52 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

SUMMARY TABLE ON COCAINE SEIZURES AND ON PERSONS REPORTED TO THE JUDICIAL AUTHORITY FOR COCAINE - RELATED OFFENCES

Cocaine seizres (kg)

Five-year trend 2019 data - Geographical subdivision

Northern Southern Italy 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Central Italy Italy and islands

4,054.11 4,716.69 4,107.38 3,633.17 8,269.54 1,673.72 3,948.53 2,647.29

Persons reported to the Judicial Authority for cocaine

Five-year trend 2019 data - Geographical subdivision

Northern Southern Italy 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Central Italy Italy and islands Type of ofence

Illicit trafcking (Art.73) 8,100 9,937 10,542 11,150 11,763 3,323 5,040 3,400

Conspiracy to trafc (Art.74) 1,216 1,181 1,255 1,973 1,933 406 470 1,057

Other ofences - - 3 2 1 - 1 -

Natonality

Italy 5,565 6,823 7,228 8,297 8,324 2,380 1,846 4,098

Other countries 3,751 4,295 4,572 4,828 5,373 1,349 3,665 359

Gender

Males 8,612 10,273 10,874 11,987 12,574 3,370 5,210 3,994

Females 704 845 926 1,138 1,123 359 301 463

Age

Of age 9,160 10,973 11,633 12,951 13,473 3,661 5,399 4,413

Minors 156 145 167 174 224 68 112 44

Age groups

< 15 3 1 11 10 10 4 6

15 ÷ 19 424 582 611 657 707 221 292 194

20 ÷ 24 1,338 1,791 1,914 2,034 2,163 547 938 678

25 ÷ 29 1,868 2,171 2,221 2,413 2,477 613 1,067 797

30 ÷ 34 1,656 1,836 2,002 2,203 2,319 602 970 747

35 ÷ 39 1,492 1,578 1,604 1,850 1,808 498 755 555

≥ 40 2,535 3,159 3,437 3,958 4,213 1,244 1,483 1,486

Total 9,316 11,118 11,800 13,125 13,697 3,729 5,511 4,457

53 THE FIGHT AGAINST HEROIN In 2019, the heroin seizures decreased by 37.06%, shifting from 976.77 kg in 2018 to 614.76 kg in 2019. The operations regarding this illicit substance (2,234) increased by 8.08%, while a slight drop was registered in the numbers of persons reported to the Judicial Authority accounting for 3,384 (-2.17%), resulting in the arrest of 2,453 individuals. The foreign nationals involved were 1,834, corresponding to 54.20% of the total of persons reported for heroin-related offences. The foreign nationals who were mainly involved in heroin trafficking came from Nigeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Albania and Pakistan. Out of 3,384 persons reported for heroin-related offences, 330 (9.75%) were women and, out of them, 83 (2.45%) were foreign nationals, in particular Nigerians, Romanians, Moroccans, Albanians and Venezuelans. Among 27 minors reported for heroin-related Persons reported to the J. A. for heroin offences, 16 (0.47%) were foreign nationals from % variaton 2018 2019 2019 Tunisia, Gabon and Senegal. Type of report As to the type of offence, 89.63% of subjects Arrested 2,442 2,453 0.45% were reported to the Judicial Authority for heroin Reported but not arrested 973 870 -10.59% At large 44 61 38.64% trafficking/pushing and 10.37% for conspiracy to Type of ofence drug trafficking. Illicit trafcking (Art.73) 3,112 3,033 -2.54% Heroin - type of offence 2018/2019 Conspiracy to trafc (Art.74) 347 351 1.15% 3,500 3,112 3,033 Other ofences - - - 3,000 Natonality 2,500 2,000 2018 2019 Italy 1,436 1,550 7.94% 1,500 Other countries 2,023 1,834 -9.34% 1,000 Nigeria 625 548 -12.32% 500 347 351 0 0 Tunisia 453 266 -41.28% 0 Illicit trafficking (Art.73) Conspiracy to traffic (Art.74) Other offences Morocco 232 224 -3.45% Albania 150 166 10.67% Of 3,384 persons reported to the Judicial Authority Pakistan 96 112 16.67% for heroin-related offences, 29.14% are in the 40/ Gender over age group; 19.86% in the 25 - 29 age group Males 3,160 3,054 -3.35% and 17.26% in the 20 -24 age group. The youngest Females 299 330 10.37% (< 18) represent 0.80% of the total number of the Age persons reported at national level. Of age 3,434 3,357 -2.24% Minors 25 27 8.00% Percentage incidence of age groups in the Age groups total amount of the reports to the J.A. in heroin ofences 2019 < 15 2 3 50.00% 36% 140 114 -18.57% 29.14% 15 ÷ 19 30% 20 ÷ 24 559 584 4.47% 24% 19.86% 25 ÷ 29 753 672 -10.76% 17.26% 17.17% 18% 30 ÷ 34 611 581 -4.91% 13.12% 12% 35 ÷ 39 494 444 -10.12% 6% 3.37% ≥ 40 900 986 9.56% 0.09% 0% Total 3,459 3,384 -2.17% < 15 15 ÷ 19 20 ÷ 24 25 ÷ 29 30 ÷ 34 35 ÷ 39 ≥ 40

54 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

The most significant seizures of heroin were made in Brescia, in June (43kg), in Soave (VR) in January (20.60 kg), in Rovato (BS) in June (20 kg) and in San Severo (FG) in March (18 kg). Heroin seized during antidrug operations was mainly discovered on the person (466 cases), inside houses (232 cases), in corpore (112 cases), in cars (77 cases) and inside luggage (31 cases). The analysis of cases established by the competent investigating authorities proved that most heroin was coming from South Africa, Pakistan, Belgium, France, Germany, Malawi, Uganda, Austria, Madagascar, Nigeria, Poland, Greece and Spain.

Main heroin origin countries (kg) – cases ascertained in 2019

70

60 57.33

50

40

30 25.16

20 17.16 16.26 11.65 8.71 8.54 8.22 10 6.40 6.10 5.50 3.01 2.17 0 South Africa Pakistan Belgium France Germany Malawi Uganda Austria Madagascar Nigeria Poland Greece Spain

Ten-year trend Over the last 10 years the trends of operations and of the numbers of persons reported to the judicial authorities for heroin-related offences have declined, with an average of 2,600 operations and 4,500 persons reported. As to the heroin seizures data, the peak was reached in 2018 when 976.77 kg of heroin were seized. Since 2010, a fluctuating trend has been registered.

Heroin operations Heroin seizures (kg)

4.200 1.200 3.741 3.600 976,77 3.500 1.000 943,97 940,25 937,40 2.983 884,28 813,48 2.800 2.574 800 770,51 2.244 2.326 2.234 2.174 2.152 2.067 611,91 614,76 2.100 600 480,16 1.400 400

700 200

0 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Persons reported to the J.A. for heroin Port Recanati 2.12 kg of heroin – December 2019 (carabinieri)

7.800 6.779 6.916 6.500 5.659 5.200 4.777 4.236 3.687 3.900 3.308 3.415 3.459 3.384

2.600

1.300

0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

55 Heroin seizures - regional distribution The regions where the largest quantities of heroin were seized are Lombardy, Lazio, Veneto, Apulia, Campania, Emilia Romagna, Sardinia and Tuscany, while the lowest quantities were registered in Basilicata and Molise. In comparison with 2018, a significant increase in seizures was registered in Valle d'Aosta, Basilicata, Sardinia, Tuscany, Trentino Alto Adige, Campania, Molise, Abruzzi and Sicily. Regional The most considerable percentage decreases distribution of heroin seizures were registered in Liguria, Friuli Venezia Giulia, % variaton 2018 2019 2019 Piedmont, Marche and Emilia Romagna. Abruzzi 10.15 15.60 53.63% Considering the macro-areas, 57.13% of heroin Basilicata 0.27 2.30 748.34% seizures occurred in the North, 22.19% in the Calabria 2.74 3.56 29.89% Campania 17.35 31.30 80.44% South and islands and 20.69% in Central Italy. Emilia Romagna 56.17 29.63 -47.24% Friuli Venezia Giulia 59.57 8.26 -86.14% s land Lazio 86.72 89.93 3.69% is Ce d nt an ra Liguria 276.42 24.63 -91.09% y l l It ta a Lombardy 214.79 174.97 -18.54% I ly n r

Marche 14.04 6.73 -52.06% e 22.19% 20.69%

h t

Molise 0.36 0.65 79.01% u

o

S Piedmont 38.54 17.99 -53.31%

Apulia 77.19 47.67 -38.24%

Sardinia 4.81 27.88 480.19%

Sicily 5.19 7.43 42.99%

Tuscany 11.94 26.46 121.56%

Trentno Alto Adige 9.64 18.74 94.51%

Umbria 3.00 4.06 35.53%

Valle d’Aosta 0.03 10.53 33,877.42% 57.12%

87.85 66.45 -24.36%

Veneto

y

N l

a o t

I r

t n h r Internatonal waters - - - e Total 976.77 614.76 -37.06%

Regional distribution - heroin seizures in 2019

210

180 174.97

150

120

90 89.93 66.45 60 47.67 31.30 29.63 27.88 26.46 24.63

30 18.74 17.99 15.60 10.53 8.26 7.43 6.73 4.06 3.56 2.30 0.65 0 Sicily Lazio Sicilia Apulia Puglia Liguria Molise Veneto Abruzzi Umbria Tuscany Marche Sardinia Abruzzo Calabria Toscana Piedmont Basilicata Sardegna Piemonte Campania Lombardy Lombardia Valle Aosta D Friuli Ven. Giu. Trentino A. Ad. A. Trentino Emilia Romagna Emilia

56 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

HEROIN FLOWS TOWARDS ITALY

Total of heroin national seizures/kg/total of seizures at borders 2018/2019

976.77 1,000

584.51 614.76 500 59.84% 185.40

30.16% 0 2018 Territory at borders 2019

In 2019 national heroin seizures reached 614.76 kg, decreasing by 37.06% in comparison to 2018 (976.77 kg). In the two-year period examined there was a remarkable decrease in seizures at borders if compared with the overall percentage of seizures in Italy, from 59.84% in 2018 to 30.16% in 2019. The below graphs highlight the percentage incidence of drug seizures, subdivided according to the type of borders.

Heroin seizures at borders in 2018 Heroin seizures at borders in 2019

Air Land 215.99 12.40 Land 36.95% 2.12% 27.38 14.77% Maritime 3.19 1.72%

Maritime Air 356.12 154.83 60.93% 83.51%

In the two-year period 2018/2019 heroin intercepted at sea borders remarkably decreased (-99.10%) although 2018 data was affected by a bulk seizure of about 266 kg of heroin at the port in Genoa. The graph below shows however that 2019 data are the lowest the ten-year period. In 2019, the only port area which was involved in drug seizures was the port of Olbia with 3.20 kg.

57 Heroin seizures at maritime borders kg 2010/2019

400 356.12

300

200 132.39 107.46 124.33 100 56.97 69.61 66.62 73.54

15.84 3.20 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

In 2019 the incidence rate of heroin seizures at air borders in the total of border seizures was 83.51% (in 2018 it was 36.95%), although the amounts intercepted decreased by 28.32%, going from 215.99 kg in 2018 to 154.83 kg in 2019. In particular, in 2019 mention must be made of the seizures at Fiumicino (RM) airport, 54.42 kg, Malpensa (VA) airport, 39.83 kg, G. Marconi (BO) airport, 19.89 kg and Marco Polo (VE) airport, 17.29 kg.

As to the heroin trafficked by air routes, the Southern Route both straight from Pakistan (25.16 kg) and through the African countries (84.67 kg) played a major role and had an incidence rate of 71% in the overall quantity of the heroin seized at air borders.

The persons reported to the Judicial incidence of heroin seizures from pakistan and East Africa countries as compared to the total of seizures at borders (kg) in 2019 Authority at the Italian airports were mainly Nigerian (29), Pakistan (5), Italian 154.83 (5) and Tanzanian (4) nationals. 109.84 As to the heroin intercepted at land borders (27.38 kg), in 2019 there was 70.94% an increase by 120.8% in comparison to 2018 when 12.40 kg were seized. Most seizures were carried out at the following land borders: Total of air border seizures from Pakistan and Africa - Mont Blanc tunnel (AO), 10.53 kg; - Brogeda (CO) crossing point, 6.03 kg; - Ventimiglia (IM) crossing point, 4.69 kg.

France (3.44 kg), Germany (2.70 kg) and Austria (1.92 kg) were the main countries of origin.

58 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

HEROIN MAIN CUSTOMS AREAS IN TERMS OF DRUG SEIZURES / INCIDENCE OF SEIZURES MADE AT BORDERS

Airport Airport √ Linate (MI) 0.19 kg (0.12%) √ Orio al Serio (BG) 2.59 kg (1.67%)

BCP Airport BCP √ Traforo Monte Bianco (AO) 10.53 kg (38.47%) √ Malpensa (VA) 39.83 kg (25.73%) √ Brennero ffss (BZ) 3.92 kg (14.30%)

BCP BCP √ Brogeda (CO) 6.03 kg (22.04%) √ Motorway border post vipiteno (BZ) 2.20 kg (8.05%)

6.12 10.53 0.00 48.64 Airport √ 20.67 Treviso 0.65 kg (0.42%) 0.00 Airport √ Marco Polo (VE) .29 kg (11.17%) 4.69 19.89 Airport √ BCP Villafranca (VR) 2.73 kg (1.76%) √ Ventmiglia ffss (IM) 4.69 kg (17.12%) 5.10 Airport √ 0.00 G. Marconi (BO) 19.89 kg (12.84%) Airport 0.00 √ G. Gallilei (PI) 5.10 kg (3.29%)

55.77 0.00 Airport √ Palese (BA) 3.01 kg (1.95%) 0.00 Airport 3.01 √ Fiumicino (RM) 54.42 kg (35.15%) 7.92 0.85 Airport √ Ciampino (RM) 1.35 kg (0.87%) 0.00 Airport Airport √ Capodichino (NA) 0.85 kg (0.55%) √ Cagliari Elmas (CA) 4.10 kg (2.65%)

Airport 0.00 √ Fertlia (SS) 0.62 kg (0.40%)

Port √ Isola Bianca (SS) 1.17 kg (36.47%) 2.20 Port √ Olbia (SS) 2.03 kg (63.38%) Airport √ Fontanarossa (CT) 2.20 kg (1.42%)

Persons reported to the J. A. at borders for heroin (84 persons, of whom 7 Italians and 77 foreigners)

Nigeria 50

Pakistan 5 Mali 2

Tanzania 4 Spain 1 Afghanistan 1

UK 3 Portugal 1 Romania 1 Suth Africa 1

Latvia 3 Burundi 1 Greece 1 Holland 1 Germany 1 Bulgaria 1

59 SUMMARY TABLE ON HEROIN SEIZURES AND ON PERSONS REPORTED TO THE JUDICIAL AUTHORITY FOR HEROIN-RELATED OFFENCES

Heroin seizures (kg)

Five-year trend 2019 data - Geographical subdivision

Northern Southern Italy 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Central Italy Italy and islands

770.51 480.16 611.91 976.77 614.76 127.17 351.20 136.39

Persons reported to the J. A. for heroin

Five-year trend 2019 data - Geographical subdivision

Northern Southern Italy 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Central Italy Italy and islands Type of ofence

Illicit trafcking (Art.73) 3,066 3,295 3,240 3,112 3,033 839 1,361 833

Conspiracy to trafc (Art.74) 242 392 175 347 351 28 80 243

Other ofences ------

Natonality

Italy 1,509 1,702 1,550 1,436 1,550 255 447 848

Other countries 1,799 1,985 1,865 2,023 1,834 612 994 228

Gender

Males 2,994 3,352 3,097 3,160 3,054 802 1,313 939

Females 314 335 318 299 330 65 128 137

Age

Of age 3,256 3,640 3,381 3,434 3,357 863 1,422 1,072

Minors 52 47 34 25 27 4 19 4

Age groups

< 15 0 1 2 2 3 1 2

15 ÷ 19 150 157 130 140 114 21 71 22

20 ÷ 24 516 519 521 559 584 167 282 135

25 ÷ 29 659 763 652 753 672 198 306 168

30 ÷ 34 624 698 649 611 581 133 279 169

35 ÷ 39 475 543 529 494 444 114 168 162

≥ 40 884 1,006 932 900 986 233 333 420

Total 3,308 3,687 3,415 3,459 3,384 867 1,441 1,076

60 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

THE FIGHT AGAINST CANNABIS In 2019 the seizures of hashish and marijuana remarkably decreased (-73.25% and -39.83% respectively). This negative trend also concerned the operations and the reports to the Judicial Authority. As to hashish operations decreased by 4.45% and the report by 9.27%. As far as marijuana is concerned operations decreased by 6.04% while reports by 11.63%. As a whole the police operations carried out in the fight against cannabis derivatives amounted to 13,982 while there were 6,967 reports for hashish and 7,455 for marijuana offences and 877 reports for cannabis plants cultivation. Out of 15,299 persons reported for cannabis derivatives related offences, 5,589 (36.53%) were foreign nationals, mostly Gambian, Nigerian, Moroccan, Albanian, Senegalese and Tunisian nationals. Out of 799 women reported for cannabis related offences, 153 (19.15%) were foreign nationals, mostly Nigerian, Romanian, French, Spanish, Albanian and Moroccan nationals. Out of 968 minors reported for cannabis related offences, 150 (15.50%) were foreign nationals, mostly Romanian, Tunisian, Moroccan, Egyptian Persons reported to the J.A. for cannabis offences and Albanian nationals. % variaton 2018 2019 2019 97.33% of the reports concerned the offence of Type of report trafficking/pushing while 2.67% conspiracy to drug Arrested 11,088 9,879 -10.90% trafficking. Reported but not arrested 6,098 5,364 -12.04% At large 51 56 9.80% Cannabis - type of offence 2018/2019 Type of ofence

Illicit trafcking (Art.73) 16,840 14,890 -11.58% 18,000 16,840 14,890 Conspiracy to trafc (Art.74) 395 409 3.54% 15,000

Other ofences 2 0 -100.00% 12,000 2018 2019 Natonality 9,000 Italy 10,641 9,710 -8.75% 6,000 Other countries 6,596 5,589 -15.27% 3,000 395 409 2 0 1037 1019 -1.74% 0 Gambia Illicit trafficking (Art.73) Conspiracy to traffic (Art.74) Other offences Nigeria 1159 921 -20.53% Morocco 1032 821 -20.45% Albania 419 349 -16.71% Out of 15,299 persons reported to the Judicial Senegal 358 314 -12.29% Authority for cannabis offences, 25.30% aged Gender between 20 and 24, 19.92% aged 40 or more and Males 16,209 14,500 -10.54% 16.80% aged between 25 and 29. 6.33% of the total Females 1,028 799 -22.28% of the persons reported for cannabis offences at Age the national level aged less than 18 years. Of age 16,201 14,331 -11.54% Minors 1,036 958 -6.56% Percentage incidence by age groups in the Age groups total number of the reports to the J.A. for cannabis offences 2019 < 15 40 40 0.00% 36% 15 ÷ 19 2,844 2,499 -12.13% 30% 25.30% 20 ÷ 24 4,212 3,870 -8.12% 24% 19.92% 25 ÷ 29 3,046 2,570 -15.63% 18% 16.33% 16.80% 2,089 1,864 -10.77% 12.18% 30 ÷ 34 12% 9.21% 35 ÷ 39 1,579 1,409 -10.77% 6% ≥ 40 3,427 3,047 -11.09% 0.26% 0% Total 17,237 15,299 -11.24% < 15 15 ÷ 19 20 ÷ 24 25 ÷ 29 30 ÷ 34 35 ÷ 39 ≥ 40

61 As to seizures, hashish seizures reached the threshold of 21,005.44 kg while marijuana seizures that of 23,632.08 kg. The largest hashish seizures were carried out in international waters (6,200 kg in April and 5,474 kg in May) while the largest marijuana seizures were carried out in the waters in front of Castrignano del Capo (LE) - 1,531 kg in April - and Acate (RG) - 770 kg in May. Most of the cannabis seized was found on the persons (2,659 cases), in houses (2,435), in cars (434) and inside postal parcels or letters (317). Analyzing the cases where the drug origin was ascertained, it is possible to state that the hashish destined for the Italian market mainly came from Spain while marijuana from Albania.

Main hashish and marijuana origin countries (kg) – cases ascertained in 2019 Hashish (kg) Marijuana (kg)

2.250 2.250 1.884,91

1.447,98 1.500 1.500

750 750 463,03 90,00 0 0 Spagna Spain MoroccoMarocco Albania Spagna

Ten-year trend Cannabis, in its different forms (hashish and marijuana), is the most seized drug on the Italian illegal market: in the ten-year period it has been 91% of the total of drug seizures in Italy. The highest peak in seizures was reached in 2014 as to hashish (113,172 kg) and in 2017 as to marijuana (93,362 kg) while the lowest rate was reached in 2017 as to hashish (18,764 kg) and in 2010 as to marijuana (5,505 kg).

Hashish seizures (kg) Marijuana seizures (kg)

120,000 113,172 105,000 93,362 105,000 90,000 90,000 78,537 75,000 75,000 67,923 60,000 60,000 45,000 41,530 39,276 45,000 36,370 35,745 28,866 30,000 20,455 21,918 24,331 30,000 21,527 23,632 20,326 18,764 21,005 15,000 15,000 10,924 5,505 9,321 0 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Seizures (no.) of Cannabis plants International waters 6,200 kg of hashish – April 2019 (guardia di finanza)

4,500,000 4,122,619

3,750,000

3,000,000

2,250,000

1,500,000 1,008,236 894,890 750,000 468,615 524,424 270,037 72,538 121,772 139,338 223,541 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

62 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

As of 2010 the average of cannabis seizures has always been around 12,000 with a peak in 2017 with 15,284 seizures. In the last ten years 15,000 persons have been reported to the Judicial Authority. The peak was reached in 2017 (18,278 reports) and the lowest level in 2015 (13,434 reports).

Total of cannabis operations Total number of people reported to the J.A. for cannabis (no.)

17,500 15,284 20,000 18,278 14,842 17,237 15,000 13,640 13,975 17,500 16,430 15,886 15,288 15,531 15,476 15,299 12,101 12,253 14,728 12,500 11,565 11,679 15,000 10,830 13,434 10,195 10,000 12,500 10,000 7,500 7,500 5,000 5,000 2,500 2,500 0 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Reggio emilia 130.5 kg of marijuana –June 2019 (State Police)

63 Hashish seizures - regional distribution The largest hashish seizures were carried out in Campania, Lazio, Lombardy, Tuscany, Sicily, Piedmont, Sardinia, Liguria, Emilia Romagna and Apulia, while the lowest amounts were seized in Valle d'Aosta and Molise. Regional In comparison to 2018 significant increases distribution of hashish seizures % variaton occurred in Emilia Romagna, Molise and Sardinia. 2018 2019 2019 The most notable decreases in percentage terms Abruzzi 68.88 54.25 -21.25% were registered in Basilicata, Sicily, Marche, Basilicata 955.48 27.44 -97.13% Campania, Lazio, Apulia, Lombardy, Trentino Alto Calabria 104.67 73.81 -29.48% Campania 9,250.90 1,889.04 -79.58% Adige, Valle d'Aosta, Liguria and Umbria. Emilia Romagna 275.36 456.08 65.63% Analyzing the macro-areas, hashish seizures were Friuli Venezia Giulia 54.65 50.92 -6.83% distributed as follows: 41.14% in the South and Lazio 6,587.04 1,369.85 -79.20% Islands, 32.89% in the North and 25.97% in the Liguria 827.39 463.44 -43.99% Centre. Lombardy 3,918.30 1,269.34 -67.60% Marche 333.09 22.28 -93.31%

Molise 3.76 5.74 52.66% ds C an en Piedmont 737.25 612.23 -16.96% sl t i ra 1,592.60 369.55 -76.80% d l Apulia n It a a l Sardinia 430.31 547.36 27.20% ly y

a t 25.97% I

Sicily 24,009.48 859.11 -96.42% n r 41.14% e Tuscany 1,205.83 993.83 -17.58% h

t

u

Trentno Alto Adige 93.10 32.69 -64.89%

o

S

51.35 29.46 -42.62%

Umbria

Valle d’Aosta 0.43 0.16 -63.02%

Veneto 231.61 173.53 -25.08%

Internatonal waters 27,806.00 11,705.35 -57.90%

N

32.89% o

78,537.47 21,005.44 -73.25%

Total r

t

h

e

r

n

I

t

a

l

y

Regional distribution of hashish seizures in (2019)

2,250 1,889.04 1,800 1,369.85

1,350 1,269.34 993.83

900 859.11 612.23 547.36 463.44 456.08

450 369.55 173.53 73.81 54.25 50.92 32.69 27.44 29.46 22.28 0 5.74 0.16 Lazio Sicily Sicilia Puglia Apulia Liguria Molise Veneto Umbria Marche Abruzzo Calabria Toscana Abruzzi Tuscany Sardinia Basilicata Sardegna Piemonte Campania Piedmont Lombardia Lombardy Valle Aosta D Friuli Ven. Giu. Trentino A. Ad. A. Trentino Emilia Romagna Emilia

64 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

Marijuana seizures - regional distribution The largest marijuana seizures were carried out in Apulia, Sicily, Sardinia, Lombardy, Emilia Romagna, Lazio, Piedmont, Tuscany, Calabria and Abruzzi while the lowest seizures occurred in Valle d’Aosta and Friuli Venezia Giulia.

Regional In comparison to 2018, significant increases in distribution of marijuana seizures % variaton seizures were registered in Umbria, Sardinia, 2018 2019 2019 Basilicata, Abruzzi, Molise, Valle d'Aosta, Tuscany, Abruzzi 160.77 825.14 413.24� Marche, Piedmont and Emilia Romagna. Basilicata 20.77 122.72 490.94% The most notable decreases in percentage terms, Calabria 2,178.87 830.87 -61.87% Campania 1,118.58 632.74 -43.43% were registered in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Apulia, Emilia Romagna 709.31 1,440.39 103.07% Calabria, Campania, Sicily and Lazio. Friuli Venezia Giulia 611.83 72.68 -88.12% Analyzing the macro-areas, marijuana seizures Lazio 2,081.94 1,424.98 -31.56% were distributed as follows: 60.25% in the South Liguria 352.23 526.19 49.39% and Islands, 25.29% in the North and 14.47% in the Lombardy 1,730.77 1,561.82 -9.76% Centre. Marche 274.67 611.06 122.47% Molise 22.72 98.88 335.14% Ce ntr Piedmont 646.32 1,400.22 116.65% al Ita ly Apulia 16,672.24 5,756.11 -65.47% s d 14.47% Sardinia 256.63 2,001.44 679.89% n la

is

Sicily 5,096.15 3,325.69 -34.74%

d n

344.51 1,102.01 219.88% a Tuscany

y l N Trentno Alto Adige 116.93 175.82 50.36% a t

o I

r

n

Umbria 14.91 126.03 745.06% t

r

h e

25.29% e

h 60.25%

Valle d’Aosta 1.19 4.67 292.93% r

t n

u

I

o

Veneto 368.38 523.62 42.14% t

a

S

l

y

Internatonal waters 6,496.40 1,069.00 -83.54%

Total 39,276.11 23,632.08 -39.83%

Regional distribution of marijuana seizures in (2019)

6,750

6,000 5,756.11 5,250 4,500 3,750 3,325.69 3,000

2,250 2,001.44 1,561.82 1,440.39 1,424.98 1,500 1,400.22 1,102.01 825.14 830.87 632.74 611.06 523.62 750 526.19 175.82 122.72 126.03 98.88 72.68 0 4.67 Sicily Lazio Sicilia Apulia Puglia Liguria Molise Abruzzi Veneto Umbria Marche Tuscany Sardinia Toscana Abruzzo Calabria Sardegna Basilicata Piemonte Piedmont Campania Lombardy Lombardia Valle Aosta D Friuli Ven. Giu. Trentino A. Ad. A. Trentino Emilia Romagna Emilia

65 Cannabis plants seizures - regional distribution The largest cannabis plants seizures were carried out in Sicily, Calabria, Sardinia, Apulia, Campania, Basilicata, Lombardy, Piedmont, Emilia Romagna, Liguria and Tuscany while the smallest seizures occurred in Valle d’Aosta and Molise. Regional In comparison to 2018, significant increases in distribution Cannabis plants seizures seizures were registered in Basilicata, Veneto, % variaton 2018 2019 2019 Abruzzi, Umbria, Liguria, Emilia Romagna, Molise, Abruzzi 445 1,936 335.06% Sardinia, Tuscany and Piedmont. Basilicata 450 11,157 2,379.33% The most notable decreases in terms of percentage Calabria 242,857 46,577 -80.82% Campania 27,805 13,079 -52.96% were registered in Valle d'Aosta, Calabria, Apulia, Emilia Romagna 1,978 4,960 150.76% Lazio, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Campania, Marche and Friuli Venezia Giulia 706 274 -61.19% Sicily. Lazio 8,489 2,340 -72.43% Analyzing the macro-areas, cannabis plants Liguria 1,213 3,270 169.58% seizures were distributed as follows: 84.47% in the Lombardy 10,483 8,913 -14.98% South and Islands, 12.45% in the North and 3.08% Marche 1,408 715 -49.22% in the Centre. Molise 15 33 120.00% Piedmont 6,351 7,319 15.24% N Apulia 115,307 22,474 -80.51% or th Sardinia 24,628 41,359 67.93% e rn s Sicily 79,199 52,215 -34.07% d It n a a l Tuscany 2,047 3,036 48.31% l y

s i 12.45%

Trentno Alto Adige 219 209 -4.57% d

n

228 795 248.68% C Umbria a

e

y 3.08% n

Valle d’Aosta 18 -100.00% l

t

a 84.47%

r t

I

a

Veneto 578 2,880 398.27%

l

n

I r

- - - t Internatonal waters e a

l h

y t

524,424 223,541 -57.37%

Total u

o

S

Regional distribution of cannabis plants seizures in (2019)

60,000

52,500 52,215 46,577 45,000 41,359

37,500

30,000

22,500 22,474

15,000 13,079 11,157 8,913 7,319

7,500 4,960 3,270 3,036 2,880 2,340 1,936 715 795 274 209 0 33 0 Lazio Sicilia Sicily Puglia Liguria Molise Apulia Veneto Umbria Marche Abruzzo Calabria Toscana Abruzzi Tuscany Sardinia Basilicata Sardegna Piemonte Campania Piedmont Lombardia Lombardy Valle Aosta D Friuli Ven. Giu. Trentino A. Ad. A. Trentino Emilia Romagna Emilia

66 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

CANNABIS FLOWS TOWARDS ITALY

Total of hashish national seizures/kg/total of seizures at borders 2018/2019

78,537.47 80,000

60,000 48,066.17 40,000 61.20% 21,005.44 20,000 13,073.25 62.24% 0 2018 Territory at borders 2019

In 2019 hashish seizures in Italy amounted to 21,005.44 kg as a whole (-73.25%, in comparison to 2018). The incidence rate of seizures at borders in the total amount of seizures in Italy (62.24%) was almost stable in comparison to the year before (61.20%). The decrease in border seizures in the two year 2017/2018 was of 72.80%.

Hashish seizures at borders kg (2018) Hashish seizures at borders kg (2019)

Air Air 16.52 30.90 Land 0.03% 0.24% 330.73 Land 2.53% 69.78 0.15%

Maritime Maritime 47,979.84 12,711.44 99.82% 97.23%

67 The graph below shows the trend of hashish seizures at the Italian borders in the period 2010 – 2019 with fluctuating, though, slightly increasing figures. The remarkable difference from year to year is linked to the quantity of each seizure - amounting to tens of tons - carried out on vessels.

Hashish seizures at borders (kg) 2010/2019

120.000 100.286,15 100.000

80.000 54.018,56 60.000 48.066,15

40.000 25.838,10 20.000 7.777,60 13.073,25 2.962,54 1.735,79 4.978,60 1.173,38 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

In 2019 hashish seizures at sea (12,711.44) were distributed as follows: - in the international waters (11,705.35 kg); - at the port in Livorno (613.07 kg).

The persons reported were mainly Italian (19) and Spanish (5) nationals.

As to land borders, the main crossing point used was Ventimiglia (IM) through the highway “Autostrada Autofiori” with 309.56 kg seized (94% of the seizures at land borders, equal to 330.73 kg). Ventimiglia was on the main hashish land route to Italy (Spain – France – Italy). The highest number of persons reported at land borders were Italian (5), Spanish (4) and Moroccan nationals (3).

The amounts of hashish introduced into Italy at air borders were modest, equal to 30.90 kg, although there was an increase in comparison to 2018 (16.52 kg). Air borders are marginally used to transport cannabis derivatives, since traffickers need to move huge quantities to get remarkable profits. Also in 2019, the most significant seizures occurred at Malpensa (VA) airport (19.87 kg), followed by Fiumicino (RM) (7.01 Kg). French (82), Spanish (61) and Italian (30) nationals were at the forefront.

68 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

Total of marijuana national seizures/kg/total of seizures at borders 2018/2019

39,276.11 40,000

30,000 23,632.08 20,000 14,648.26 37.29% 10,000 3,950.60 16.71% 0 2018 Territory at borders 2019

In 2019 marijuana seizures in Italy amounted to 23,632.08 kg (-39.83%, in comparison to 39,276.11 kg seized in 2018). The decrease in seizures at borders in the two-year period 2018/2019 was more significant, equal to 73.03%. As shown by the graphs below, almost all of the seizures at borders were carried out at sea borders, although in 2019 the incidence rate in the total of marijuana seizures at borders (from 14,258.98 kg to 3,679.05 kg) decreased because of the drop in the quantities intercepted.

Marijuana seizures at borders (kg) 2018 Marijuana seizures at borders (kg) 2019

Air Air 59.82 114.91 Land 0.41% 2.91% 137.69 Land 3.49% 325.90 2.22%2.23%

Maritime Maritime 14,258.98 3,697.05 97.37% 93.60%

69 With reference to sea borders, in 2019 marijuana seizures (3,697.05 kg) were distributed as follows: - in international waters (1,069 kg); - in the waters close to ports (2,281.45kg); - at ports (346.60 kg).

In particular, all seizures in the waters close to the Italian ports were carried out in Apulia, specifically: - Lecce, 1,971.45 kg; - Brindisi, 310 kg.

As to the quantity of the marijuana seized at ports, mention must be made of: - Pozzallo (RG), 230.09 kg; - Civitavecchia (RM), 115.06 kg.

The graph below on marijuana seizures at sea in the period 2010-2019 highlights a fluctuating though increasing trend , which is influenced by 2017 data.

Marijuana – seizures at sea borders (kg) 2010/2019

30.000 29.043,96

20.000

13.631,20 13.338,42 14.258,98

8.584,02 10.000 7.415,66

2.629,41 2.943,12 3.697,05 745,60 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

The reports at borders mainly concerned Italian (9) and Albanian nationals (3). In 2019, with reference to marijuana, the seizures at border crossing points decreased by 57.75% in comparison to the year before. The following histogram highlights an upward trend in the ten-year period.

70 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

Marijuana - seizures at land borders (kg) 2010/2019

350 325,90 300

250

200 158,44 150 140,51 137,69 91,76 100 77,28 39,50 50 32,57 10,21 5,52 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

The largest seizure (123.17 kg) was carried out at Ventimiglia (IM) through the highway “Autofiori”, with an incidence rate of 89.45% in the total amount of the marijuana intercepted at land borders (137.69 kg). In most cases (84.75 kg) it was not possible to identify the place of origin. If identified, Spain was at the forefront (48.70 kg). Most of the persons reported were Nigerian (4), Italian (3), Spanish and Swiss (3) nationals. Air routes were not commonly used also for marijuana trafficking. In the two year period 2018/2019 there was an increase of 92.09% (from 59.82 kg to 114.91 kg). In 2019, the largest seizures (100.02 kg) were carried out at Malpensa (VA) airport which was involved in 87% of the seizures occurred at Italian airports. The following histogram shows a remarkable increase in marijuana seizures at Malpensa airport in the last three years.

Marijuana - seizures at Malpensa airport (kg) 2010/2019

120 110,05 100,02 100

80

60 50,53

40 26,72 20,83 19,71 20 15,95 5,69 9,84 0,28 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

The marijuana seized at airports mostly came from the United States (49.19 kg), Spain ( 22.17 kg) and Canada (19.84 kg). Most of the persons reported were Italian (20), French (10), Spanish (5) and German (5) nationals.

71 HASHISH - MAIN CUSTOMS AREAS IN TERMS OF QUANTITIES SEIZED / INCIDENCE OF SEIZURES MADE AT BORDERS

Airport √ Linate (MI) 1.20 kg (3.90%)

BCP Airport √ Brogeda (CO) 20.98 kg (6.34%) √ Malpensa (VA) 19.87 kg (64.31%)

0.00 0.01 0.00 42.24 0.20 2.58

Airport 309.61 0.00 √ Marco Polo (VE) 2.57 kg (8.33%)

BCP √ Autofori (IM) 309.56 kg (93.60%) 613.09

0.04 Port 0.00 Coastal waters √ Livorno 613.07 kg (60.94%) Brindisi 24.00 kg (2.39%) 195.74 0.00 Lecce 10.35 kg (1.03%) Total 34.35 kg (3.41%) 0.00 34.35 Port 148.57 √ Civitavecchia (RM) 188.63 kg (18.75%) 0.06

Airport √ Fiumicino (RM) 7.01 (22.70%) 0.00

Port √ Isola Bianca (SS) 67.32 kg (6.69%) Port √ Palermo 21.35 kg (2.12%) 0.00 Port √ Port Torres (SS) 81.23 kg (8.07%)

21.41 N INTERNA SH SEIZED I TIONAL W ASHI ATER H S 11,705.35 kg of hashish – 89.54% of the overall national quantity

Persons reported to the J.A. at borders for hashish (267 persons, of whom 54 Italians and 213 foreigners)

France 83

Spain 70 Turkey 3

Portugal 13 Germany 3 Belgium 2

Morocco 6 Greece 2 Ukraine 2 Israel 1

Egypt 5 Switzerland 2 India 1 Australia 1

Romania 3 2 Brazil 1 Slovenia 1 Chile 1

Tunisia 3 Albania 2 South Africa 1 Bosnia 1 Argentna 1 Unknown 3

72 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

MARIJUANA - MAIN CUSTOMS AREAS IN TERMS OF QUANTITIES SEIZED / INCIDENCE OF SEIZURES MADE AT BORDERS

BCP Airport √ Domodossola FFSS (VB) 7.40 kg (5.37%) √ Linate (MI) 1.79 kg (1.56%) BCP BCP Airport √ Brogeda (CO) 0.24 kg (0.17%) √ Ponte Chiasso (CO) 5.00 kg (3.63%) √ Malpensa (VA) 100.02 kg (87.04%) BCP √ Iselle (VB) 1.77 kg (1.29%)

0.04 0.04 0.01 108.10 9.18 0.32

Airport 123.48 0.00 √ Marco Polo (VE) 0.31 kg (0.27%) BCP √ Autofori (IM) 123.17 kg (89.46%) 0.06

0.00 0.00

Airport 0.00 √ 120.41 Fiumicino (RM) 2.95 kg (2.57%) Coastal waters √ Brindisi 310 kg (11.80%) Port 0.00 √ Civitavecchia (RM) 115.06 kg (4.38%) Lecce 1,971.45 kg (75.02%) 2,281.45 Total 2,281.45 kg (86.81%) Airport 0.03 √ Ciampino (RM) 2.40 kg (2.09%) 0.50

Airport 0.00 √ Capodichino (NA) 0.50 kg (0.44%)

0.00

SEIZED IN INTERNATION 238.03 IJUANA AL WAT AR ERS M 1,069 kg of marijuana - 27.06% of the overall natonal quantty Port Airport √ Pozzallo (RG) 230.09 kg (8.75%) √ Fontana Rossa (CT) 6.57 kg (5.71%)

Persons reported to the J.A. at borders for marijuana (108 persons, of whom 32 Italians and 76 foreigners)

France 12

Spain 9 Romania 3 United States Germany 6 of America 3 China 1 Angola 1 Argentna 1 Nigeria 5 Slovenia 2 Portugal 1 Moldova 1 Congo 1 Morocco 1

Switzerland 4 Chile 2 Bulgaria 1 Iran 1 Philippines 1 Malta 1 Albania 4 Gambia 2 Turkey 1 Holland 1 Croata 1 UK 1

Belgium 3 Brazil 2 Serbia 1 Israel 1 Australia 1 Unknown 1

73 SUMMARY TABLE ON SEIZURES AND ON PERSONS REPORTED TO THE JUDICIAL AUTHORITY FOR HASHISH, MARIJUANA AND CANNABIS PLANTS-RELATED OFFENCES

Hashish, marijuana and cannabis plants, seizures Five-year trend 2019 data - Geographical subdivision

Southern Italy Internatonal 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Central Italy Northern Italy and islands waters Hashish (kg) 67,923.02 24,331.48 18,764.45 78,537.47 21,005.44 2,415.42 3,058.39 3,826.29 11,705.35

Marijuana (kg) 9,320.55 41,529.79 93,361.94 39,276.11 23,632.08 3,264.08 5,705.41 13,593.60 1,069.00

Cannabis plants (nr) 139,338 468,615 270,037 524,424 223,541 6,886 27,825 188,830 -

Persons reported to the Judicial Authority per cannabis

Five-year trend 2019 data - Geographical subdivision

Northern Southern Italy Internatonal 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Central Italy Italy and islands waters Type of ofence

Illicit trafcking (Art.73) 13,014 16,088 17,891 16,840 14,890 3,341 6,496 5,049 4

Conspiracy to trafc (Art.74) 418 341 385 395 409 65 44 297 3

Other ofences 2 1 2 2 - - - - -

Natonality

Italy 9,303 10,822 11,488 10,641 9,710 1,888 3,206 4,615 1

Other countries 4,131 5,608 6,790 6,596 5,589 1,518 3,334 731 6

Gender

Males 12,618 15,514 17,314 16,209 14,500 3,210 6,260 5,023 7

Females 816 916 964 1,028 799 196 280 323 -

Age

Of age 12,565 15,319 17,162 16,201 14,331 3,177 6,039 5,108 7

Minors 869 1,111 1,116 1,036 968 229 501 238 -

Age groups

< 15 33 36 40 40 40 6 23 11 -

15 ÷ 19 2,114 2,741 3,038 2,844 2,499 631 1,163 705 -

20 ÷ 24 3,011 3,697 4,476 4,212 3,870 880 1,857 1,133 -

25 ÷ 29 2,333 2,868 3,191 3,046 2,570 561 1,136 872 1

30 ÷ 34 1,811 2,115 2,268 2,089 1,864 366 803 694 1

35 ÷ 39 1,381 1,625 1,657 1,579 1,409 337 496 576

≥ 40 2,751 3,348 3,608 3,427 3,047 625 1,062 1,355 5

Total 13,434 16,430 18,278 17,237 15,299 3,406 6,540 5,346 7

74 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

THE FIGHT AGAINST SYNTHETIC DRUGS In 2019, in Italy synthetic drug seizures in “dose form” remarkably increased by 96% while in “powder form” by 32.16% . Investigations involving synthetic drugs amounted to 320 and 386 persons were reported, out of whom 295 were arrested. 51,907 doses/tablets (102.04 kg) were seized. Out of 386 persons reported for synthetic-drug offences, 219 (56.74%) were foreign nationals, in particular Filipino, Chinese, Nigerian, Romanian and Bengali nationals. Out of 51 women reported for synthetic drugs offences, 21 (41.18%) were foreign nationals, in particular Chinese, Filipino and Nigerian nationals. The largest seizures were carried out at Malpensa (VA) (13.29 kg of D.M.T.) - (9.70 kg of M.D.A. Amphetamines) - (7.60 kg of methamphetamines) and Pedara (CT) (6.14 kg of M.D.M.A.)airports. 99.22% of reports were connected to traffic/ Persons reported to the J.A. for synthetc drugs ofences pushing while 0.78% to criminal conspiracy to drug % variaton trafficking. 2018 2019 2019 Type of report Out of 386 persons reported to the Judicial Arrested 285 295 3.51% Authorities for synthetic drugs offences, 26.17% Reported but not arrested 125 87 -30.40% At large 2 4 100.00% Synthetc drugs - type of ofence 2018/2019 Type pof ofence

Illicit trafcking (Art.73) 352 383 8.81% 450 383 Conspiracy to trafc (Art.74) 60 3 -95.00% 375 352 Other ofences -- - - 300 2018 2019 Natonality 225 Italy 148 167 12.84% 150 Other countries 264 219 -17.05% 75 60 3 0 0 Philippines 106 103 -2.83% 0 Illicit trafficking (Art.73) Conspiracy to traffic (Art.74) Other offences China 22 54 145.45% Nigeria 30 12 -60.00% Romania 4 7 75.00% aged 40 or over, 17.62% aged between 30 and Bangladesh 17 5 -70.59% 34 years while 16.58% were between 25 and 29. Gender 3.89% were younger (<18). Males 365 335 -8.22% The synthetic drugs seized during drug operations Females 47 51 8.51% were mostly concealed inside postal parcels or Age letters, in houses, on the person or in cars. Of age 408 371 -9.07% Minors 4 15 275.00% Percentage incidence of age groups in the total number of the Age groups reports to the J.A. for synthetc drug ofences 2019 < 15 1 -- - 36% 15 ÷ 19 24 45 87.50% 30% 26.17% 20 ÷ 24 58 54 -6.90% 24% 25 ÷ 29 57 64 12.28% 16.58% 17.62% 18% 13.99% 13.73% 30 ÷ 34 64 68 6.25% 11.66% 12% 35 ÷ 39 81 53 -34.57% 6% ≥ 40 128 101 -21.09% 0.26% 0% Total 412 386 -6.31% < 15 15 ÷ 19 20 ÷ 24 25 ÷ 29 30 ÷ 34 35 ÷ 39 ≥ 40

75 Also in 2019 Holland was the main delivery country of the synthetic drugs trafficked on the Italian markets. It is to consider that the Netherlands together with Belgium and Peru are the main entry points of the synthetic drugs sold in our country. Among synthetic drugs, ecstasy and ecstasy like products were at the forefront in terms of amounts seized.

Ten-year trend Since 2010, the trend of synthetic drugs operations, reports and seizures has been fluctuating, with a peak in 2010 (78,904 doses seized) and in 2017 (167.39 kg of powder products seized). In the following years, instead, a sudden decrease was registered, reaching a record low in 2013 with 7,536 doses seized.

Synthetic drugs operations Synthetic drugs seizures (kg)

375 351 347 200 320 313 305 316 167,39 300 285 279 160

224 225 215 120 97,35 102,04 77,21 150 80 68,33 71,84 50,99 50,30 53,93 75 40 22,84

0 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Seizures (tablets/doses no.) Synthetic drugs Persons reported to the J.A. for Synthetic drugs

480 90.000 445 433 447 78.904 412 390 393 386 75.000 400 358 327 305 60.000 51.907 320 45.000 240

26.765 26.534 30.000 22.727 160 16.582 19.137 19.839 15.000 7.536 9.344 80

0 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Catania 6.14 kg of mdma , amphetamine - January 2019 Cuneo 2.36 kg of amphetamine - August 2019 (carabinieri) (State Police)

76 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

Synthetic drugs seizures - regional distribution The regions reporting major seizures of synthetic drugs in powder were: Lombardy and Veneto, while, the leading regions for seizures in doses were Lazio, Tuscany, Lombardy and Trentino Alto Adige regions. With respect to 2018, significant increases in seizures of synthetic drugs in powder were registered in Abruzzi, Sicily, Calabria, Apulia, Piedmont and Lombardy, while, in terms of seizures in doses, Trentino Alto Adige, Emilia Romagna, Sicily, Apulia, Marche, Basilicata, Lazio and Tuscany were in the lead. The most considerable percentage drops were registered: as to the seizures in powder, in Campania, Emilia Romagna, Trentino Alto Adige, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Lazio; for the seizures in doses, in Umbria, Campania, Veneto, Sardinia, Abruzzi, Piedmont and Calabria.

Regional distribution of synthetic drugs seizures In powder/kg) tablets/doses (no.)

% variaton % variaton 2018 2019 2018 2018 2019 2018 Abruzzi 0.01 0.99 12,225.00% 375 109 -70.93%

Basilicata 0.01 0.01 -10.00% 5 19 280.00%

Calabria 0.51 1.95 279.77% 9 3 -66.67%

Campania 0.47 0.08 -83.76% 121 4 -96.69%

Emilia Romagna 18.55 3.01 -83.75% 43 558 1,197.67%

Friuli Venezia Giulia 0.53 0.24 -54.73% 107 87 -18.69%

Lazio 9.48 5.12 -46.03% 13,065 32,102 145.71%

Liguria 0.15 0.23 52.03% 107 192 79.44%

Lombardy 29.25 59.27 102.62% 2,903 4,089 40.85%

Marche 0.17 0.13 -23.81% 46 233 406.52%

Molise ------

Piedmont 1.22 3.41 180.43% 559 175 -68.69%

Apulia 0.54 1.72 220.75% 41 402 880.49%

Sardinia 0.15 0.14 -6.71% 433 109 -74.83%

Sicily 1.02 9.84 867.06% 78 921 1,080.77%

Tuscany 2.62 3.11 18.91% 5,082 10,463 105.88%

Trentno Alto Adige 0.87 0.22 -74.91% 68 2,171 3,092.65%

Umbria 0.04 0.06 51.35% 5 - -100.00%

Valle d'Aosta ------

Veneto 11.64 12.53 7.65% 3,487 270 -92.26%

Internatonal waters ------

Total 77.21 102.04 32.16% 26,534 51,907 95.62%

77 Examining the macro-areas, in 2019, 82.45% of the seizures of synthetic drugs in doses were carried out in Central Italy, 14.53% in the North and 3.02% in Southern Italy and islands,

Regional distributon synthetc drugs seizures (in doses/tablets) 2019

N or th e rn

I t a

l 14.53% y

35,000

S 32,102

o y

l

82.45% 3.02% u a

30,000 t t

h I

l e

a r

r

n

25,000 t

I n

t

e a

l

C

y

20,000 a

n

d

i

s

l

a

n

15,000

d

s

10,463 10,000

5,000 4,089 2,171 921 558 402 270 233 192 175 109 109 87 19 4 3 0 0 0 0 Lazio Sicily Sicilia Puglia Liguria Molise Apulia Veneto Umbria Marche Abruzzi Toscana Abruzzo Calabria Tuscany Sardinia Sardegna Basilicata Piemonte Campania Piedmont Lombardy Lombardia Valle Aosta D Friuli Ven. Giu. Trentino A. Ad. A. Trentino Emilia Romagna Emilia

while as to those involving substances in powder, 76.57% occurred in Northern Italy, 14.28% in the South and islands and 9.15% in Central Italy.

Regional distributon synthetc drugs seizures (in powder/kg) 2019

lands Cen is tra nd l I a 8.24% ta ly ly a 14.42% It

n r

e

h

t

u

70 o

S

59.27

60

50

40

77,34%

30

N

o

r y l t h a t e I

r

20 n 12.53 9.84 10 5.12 3.41 3.11 3.01 1.95 1.72 0.99 0.24 0.23 0.22 0.14 0.13 0.08 0.06 0.01 0.00 0.00 0 Lazio Sicilia Sicily Puglia Liguria Molise Apulia Veneto Umbria Marche Abruzzo Abruzzi Toscana Calabria Tuscany Sardinia Sardegna Basilicata Piemonte Campania Piedmont Lombardia Lombardy Valle Aosta D Friuli Ven. Giu. Trentino A. Ad. A. Trentino Emilia Romagna Emilia

78 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

SYNTHETIC DRUGS FLOWS TOWARDS ITALY

Total of Synthetic drugs national seizures (in powder/kg) total seizures at borders 2018/2019

Seizures in powder (kg) Seizures “in doses/tablets” (no.)

120 60,000 102.04 51,907 77.21 40,000 60 26,534 42.33 20,000 12,518 15.69 425 0 0 2018 2019 2018 2019 Territory at borders In 2019, 51,907 doses (+95.62% as compared to 2018) and 102.04 kg of synthetic drugs (+32.16%) were intercepted in Italy. At border areas, the seizures in doses were equal to 425 as compared to 12,518 in 2018 (-96.60%), while the seizures in weight amounted to 42.29 kg (+169.59%) as opposed to 15.69 kg of the previous year.

Synthetic drugs seizures at borders (in powder/kg)

Land Land 2018 0.01 2019 0.04 0.06% Maritime 0.09% 0.08 Maritime 0.51% 0.02 0.05%

Air 15.60 Air 42.23 99.43% 99.86%

Synthetic drugs seizures at borders (in doses/tablets)

Land 2018 361 2019 Land 2.88% 0 Maritime 0.00% 123 Maritime 0.98% 8 1.88%

Air Air 12,034 417 96.13% 98.12%

79 The following histogram represents synthetic drugs seizures (in kg) carried out at border areas in the period 2010/2019.

Seizures of Synthetic drugs at borders (kg) 2010/2019

150 142.47

100

50 46.76 42.29

15.00 12.92 9.92 13.40 15.69 5.07 2.04 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

In 2019 the synthetic drugs seizures were almost exclusively carried out at air borders, in particular, we would like to point out: - as to the seizures in kg, the airports of Malpensa (VA), with 34.92 kg and Linate (MI), with 5.80 kg; - as to the seizures in doses, airport G. Marconi (BO), with 300 doses and Ciampino (RM), with 106 doses. The analysis of the cases in which the drug origin was thoroughly ascertained shows that the synthetic drugs mainly came from: - Belgium, 9.70 kg; - Brazil, 7.31 kg; - Hungary, 300 doses - South Korea, 106 doses. In 2019, 17 antidrug operations involving postal parcels forwarded by air containing synthetic drugs, were carried out, leading to the seizure of 42.23 kg and 417 doses.

80 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

SYNTHETIC DRUGS - MAIN CUSTOMS AREAS IN TERMS OF QUANTITIES SEIZED / INCIDENCE OF SEIZURES MADE AT BORDERS

Synthetc drugs seized (in powder - kg)

Airport Airport √ Malpensa (VA) 34.92 kg (82.68%) √ Linate (MI) 5.80 kg (13.72%) BCP √ Iselle (VB) 0.043 kg (100%)

0.00 0.00 0.00 40.745 0.043 1.515 Airport √ G, Marconi (BO) 1.52 kg (3.59%) 0.002 0.00 0.00 0.00

0.00 Synthetc drugs seized (in doses/tablets - no.) 0.002 0.00 0.00 Airport 0.00 √ Malpensa (VA) 10 no. (2.40%) 0.00 0.016 Port 0 √ Isola Bianca (SS) 0.02 kg (100%) 0 0.00 0 10 6 0 Port √ Venezia 6 no. (75.00%) 300 0.00 0 Airport √ G, Marconi (BO) 300 no. (71.94%) 1 0 Airport 0 √ G, Galilei (PI) 1 no. (0.24%) 0 108 0 0 0 Port √ Civitavecchia (RM) 2 no. (25.00%) 0 0 Airport √ Ciampino (RM) 106 no. (25.42%) 0

0

Persons reported to the J.A. at borders for Synthetic drugs (7 persons, of whom 3 Italians and 4 foreigners)

Spain 1

Nigeria 1 Philippines 1 China 1

81 SUMMARY TABLE ON SEIZURES AND ON PERSONS REPORTED TO THE JUDICIAL AUTHORITY FOR SYNTHETIC DRUGS- RELATED OFFENCES

Synthetc drugs seizures Five-year trend 2019 data - Geographical subdivision

Southern Italy 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Central Italy Northern Italy and islands kg 53.93 71.84 167.39 77.21 102.04 8.42 78.91 14.71

tablets/doses (no.) 26,765 19,137 19,839 26,534 51,907 42,798 7,542 1,567

Persons reported to the Judicial Authority for synthetc drugs

Five-year trend 2019 data - Geographical subdivision

Northern Southern Italy 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Central Italy Italy and islands Type of ofence

Illicit trafcking (Art.73) 403 393 351 352 383 129 221 33

Conspiracy to trafc (Art.74) 43 - 7 60 3 - - 3

Other ofences 1 ------

Natonality

Italy 275 193 164 148 167 50 88 29

Other countries 172 200 194 264 219 79 133 7

Gender

Males 397 353 321 365 335 106 203 26

Females 50 40 37 47 51 23 18 10

Age

Of age 431 374 339 408 371 126 212 33

Minors 16 19 19 4 15 3 9 3

Age groups

< 15 - 1 - - 1 - 1 -

15 ÷ 19 68 57 42 24 45 9 30 6

20 ÷ 24 110 91 82 58 54 19 30 5

25 ÷ 29 62 73 64 57 64 22 33 9

30 ÷ 34 60 62 62 64 68 32 29 7

35 ÷ 39 59 58 46 81 53 17 32 4

≥ 40 88 51 62 128 101 30 66 5

Total 447 393 358 412 386 129 221 36

82 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

PERSONS REPORTED TO THE JUDICIAL AUTHORITY In 2019 the subjects reported to the Judicial Authority in Italy decreased by 2.93%, from 35,969 in 2018 to 34,914 in 2019. The highest number of drug-related reports concerned cocaine (13,697), followed by marijuana (7,460), hashish (6,967) and heroin (3,384). Out of the 1,281 minors reported for drug offences, 305 (23.72%) were foreigners, in particular from Senegal, Tunisia, Romania, Morocco, Albania, Gabon and Egypt. Out of the 2,475 women reported to the Judicial Authority, 532 (21.49%) were foreigners, in particular, from Nigeria, Romania, Albania, Morocco and China.

Out of a total of 34,914 reports to the Judicial Authority for drug-related offences, 3,291 involved conspiracy to drug trafficking (Art. 74 of the Consolidated Act 309/90), an amount that reflects the commitment and attention given by the investigative Persons reported to the J.A. authorities to the fight against organized crime. % variaton 2018 2019 2019 Type of report Arrested 24,771 24,159 -2.47% Reported but not arrested 10,933 10,489 -4.06% Type of offence 2018/2019 At large 265 266 0.38% 35,000 32,835 31,622 Type of ofence 30,000 Illicit trafcking (Art.73) 32,835 31,622 -3.69% 25,000 2018 2019 Conspiracy to trafc (Art.74) 3,127 3,291 5.24% 20,000 Other ofences 7 1 -85.71% 15,000 10,000 Natonality 5,000 3,127 3,291 21,697 21,139 -2.57% 7 1 Italy 0 Other countries 14,272 13,775 -3.48% Illicit trafficking (Art.73) Conspiracy to traffic (Art.74) Other offences Morocco 2,826 2,669 -5.56% Albania 1,930 2,048 6.11% Nigeria 2,148 1,942 -9.59% Among the persons reported to the Judicial Gambia 1,266 1,270 0.32% Authority for drug offences, 13,775 (39.45%) were Tunisia 1,342 1,054 -21.46% foreigners, in particular from Morocco, Albania, Gender Nigeria, The Gambia and Tunisia. Males 33,295 32,439 -2.57% Females 2,674 2,475 -7.44% Age Persons reported to the J.A. - total number of the persons reported/foreigners 2018/2019 Of age 34,690 33,633 -3.05%

Minors 1,279 1,281 0.16% 40,000 35,696 34,914 Age groups 30,000

< 15 52 56 7.69% 20,000 14,272 13,775 3,773 3,504 -7.13% 15 ÷ 19 10,000 20 ÷ 24 7,125 6,973 -2.13% 0 25 ÷ 29 6,598 6,114 -7.34% 2018 2019

30 ÷ 34 5,247 5,163 -1.60% Total number of persons of whichwhom foreignersforeigners 35 ÷ 39 4,235 4,007 -5.38% ≥ 40 8,939 9,097 1.77% Total 35,969 34,914 -2.93%

83 Among the persons reported to the Judicial Authority for drug offences, 26.06% were aged 40 or over, 19.97% were between 20 and 24 years and 17.51% between 25 and 29 years. The youngest (<18) represented 3.67% of the overall subjects reported at national level.

Percentage incidence of age groups in the total number ofreports to the J.A. 2019

36%

30% 26.06% 24% 19.97% 17.51% 18% 14.79% 11.48% 12% 10.04% 6% 0.16% 0% < 15 15 ÷ 19 20 ÷ 24 25 ÷ 29 30 ÷ 34 35 ÷ 39 ≥ 40

Ten-year trend Since 2010, an average of 34,000 reports to the Judicial Authority for drug-related offences have been submitted. The high number of reports for violation of the drug laws and the fairly stable trend of law enforcement efforts reflect the effective and continuous activity carried out by the law enforcement agencies to stem this alarming phenomenon. The peak of reports was registered in 2010 (39,342), while the lowest number was in 2015 (28,055).

Persons reported to the Judicial Authority - ten-year trend

45,000 39,342 40,000 37,225 35,617 35,558 35,969 34,914 35,000 34,041 33,271 30,040 30,000 28,055

25,000

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

84 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

Persons reported to the Judicial Authority - regional distribution Lazio, with a total of 5,536 subjects involved in drug trafficking, registered the highest value, in comparison with the other regions, followed by Lombardy, Sicily, Campania, Emilia Romagna, Apulia, Piedmont and Tuscany. The lowest values were registered in Valle d'Aosta, Molise and Basilicata. In comparison to 2018, the reports considerably Regional distribution reports the J.A. increased in Valle d'Aosta, Piedmont and Molise. % variaton 2018 2019 2019 The most significant drops, in terms of percentage, Abruzzi 772 762 -1.30% were noticed in Basilicata, Umbria, Marche, Basilicata 454 278 -38.77% Calabria 1,299 1,123 -13.55% Calabria, Apulia and Friuli Venezia Giulia. Campania 3,118 2,865 -8.11% Examining the macro-areas, 40.91% of the subjects Emilia Romagna 2,271 2,444 7.62% were reported to the Judicial Authority in Northern Friuli Venezia Giulia 726 641 -11.71% Italy, 33.88% in the South and islands and 25.21% Lazio 5,962 5,536 -7.15% in Central Italy. Liguria 1,367 1,358 -0.66% Lombardy 5,029 4,893 -2.70% s Marche 936 765 -18.27 nd C la en Molise 241 264 9.54% is t d ra Piedmont 1,762 2,345 33.09% n l a It 2,716 2,371 -12.70% y a Apulia l l a y t 25.21% Sardinia 1,181 1,148 -2.79% I

33.88% n

Sicily 3,009 3,016 0.23% r

e

1,997 2,061 3.20% Tuscany h

t

u

Trentno Alto Adige 693 697 0.58%

o

602 438 -27.24% S

Umbria

30 48 60.00%

Valle d’Aosta

Veneto 1,782 1,854 4.04%

22 7 -68.18%

Internatonal waters

40.91%

N

Total 35,969 34,914 -2.93%

o

r

t

h

e

r

n

I

t y a l Regional distribution of the reports to J. A. in 2019

6,000 5,536

5,000 4,893

4,000 3,016 3,000 2,865 2,444 2,371 2,345 2,061

2,000 1,854 1,358 1,148 1,123

1,000 762 765 697 641 438 278 264 48 0 Lazio Sicily Sicilia Puglia Apulia Liguria Molise Veneto Umbria Marche Abruzzo Calabria Toscana Abruzzi Tuscany Sardinia Basilicata Sardegna Piemonte Campania Piedmont Lombardia Lombardy Valle DAosta Valle Friuli Ven. Giu. Trentino A. Ad. A. Trentino Emilia Romagna Emilia

85 Foreign nationals reported to the Judicial Authority In 2019, 13,775 foreign nationals were reported in Italy for drug-related offences, 9,658 of them were arrested. The final figure represented 39.45% of the total number of reported persons. The incidence of women and minors was respectively 3.86% and 2.21%. The foreigners reported for drug offences at Oher nationalities reported to the J.A. national level were mainly Moroccans, followed % variaton 2018 2019 2019 by nationals from Albania, Nigeria, The Gambia, Type of report Tunisia, Senegal, Romania, Egypt, Pakistan and Arrested 10,009 9,658 -3.51% Mali. Reported but not arrested 4,070 3,906 -4.03% At large 193 211 9.33% % incidence of each nationality as compared with Type of ofence the overall number of foregn nationals reported in 2019 Illicit trafcking (Art.73) 13,466 12,908 -4.14% Conspiracy to trafc (Art.74) 805 866 7.58% Mali 1.07 Other ofences 1 1 -

Natonality Pakistan 1.66 Morocco 2,826 2,669 -5.56%

Albania 1,930 2,048 6.11% Egypt 2.15 Nigeria 2,148 1,942 -9.59%

Gambia 1,266 1,270 0.32% Romania 3.07 Tunisia 1,342 1,054 -21.46%

Senegal 670 811 21.04% Senegal 5.89 Romania 437 423 -3.20% Egypt 450 296 -34.22% Tunisia 7.65 Pakistan 250 228 -8.80% Mali 113 147 30.09% Gambia 9.22 Gender Males 13,704 13,243 -3.36% Nigeria 14.10 Females 568 532 -6.34%

Age Albania 14.87 Of age 14,021 13,470 -3.93% Minors 251 305 21.51% Morocco 19.38 Age groups < 15 8 11 37.50% 15 ÷ 19 1,263 1,048 -17.02% In particular, the Albanian, Nigerian, Moroccan, 20 ÷ 24 3,447 3,422 -0.73% Dominican, Pakistani an Tunisian nationals were 25 ÷ 29 3,245 3,055 -5.86% those mostly involved in illicit drug trafficking 30 ÷ 34 2,522 2,512 -0.40% organizations, while subjects from Morocco, 35 ÷ 39 1,733 1,634 -5.71% Nigeria, Albania, The Gambia, Tunisia and Senegal ≥ 40 2,054 2,093 1.90% confirm their leadership in trafficking and Total 14,272 13,775 -3.48% distribution activities.

86 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

Out of a total of 13,775 reports to the judicial authority for drug-related offences, 866 concerned conspiracy to drug trafficking (Art. 74 of the Consolidated Act 309/90).

Foreigners reported to the judicial authority - by type of offence 2018/2019

16,000 14,000 13,466 12,908 12,000 10,000 8,000 2018 2019 6,000 4,000 2,000 805 866 1 1 0 Illicit trafficking (Art.73) Conspiracy to traffic (Art.74) Other offences

24.84% of the persons reported to the Judicial Authority for drug offences, were aged 20 to 24 years, 22.18% 25 - 29 years and 18.24% were between 30 and 34 years. The youngest (<18) represented 2.21% of the total number of persons reported at national level.

Percentage incidence of age groups in the total number of foreigners reported to the J.A. 2019

36%

30% 24.84% 24% 22.18% 18.24% 18% 15.19% 11.86% 12% 7.61% 6% 0.08% 0% < 15 15 ÷ 19 20 ÷ 24 25 ÷ 29 30 ÷ 34 35 ÷ 39 ≥ 40

Ten-year trend In the last ten years, the reports to the Judicial Authority of foreign nationals peaked in 2018 (14,272) and reached the lowest point in 2015 (10,303). Foreigners reported - ten year trend

15,000 14,085 14,272 13,385 13,775 12,792 12,166 12,684 12,500 11,728 10,766 10,303 10,000

7,500

5,000

2,500

0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

87 Foreign nationals reported to the Judicial Authority - regional distribution Lombardy, Lazio, Emilia Romagna, Piedmont, Tuscany, Veneto and Liguria were the regions where the highest number of foreign nationals involved in drug trafficking was registered, that is equal to 79.15% of the total. The regions that, instead, registered a lower number of foreigners reported are Southern regions , where, however, also drug pushing activities are strictly controlled by the local criminal organizations. Regional distributon Please, find here below, the regions with the main Foreign natonals reported to the J.A. nationalities reported: Moroccan in Lombardy, % variaton 2018 2019 2019 Tuscany, Emilia Romagna, Liguria, Veneto and Abruzzi 258 205 -20.54% Piedmont; Albanian in Lombardy, Emilia Romagna, Basilicata 80 45 -43.75% Tuscany, Lazio, Veneto and Piedmont; Nigerian in Calabria 108 94 -12.96% Campania 355 263 -25.92% Emilia Romagna, Lazio, Veneto, Tuscany, Piedmont Emilia Romagna 1,425 1,410 -1.05% and Lombardy; Gambian in Lombardy, Lazio, Friuli Venezia Giulia 346 321 -7.23% Piedmont, Emilia Romagna, Sicily and Tuscany; Lazio 2,352 1,983 -15.69% Tunisian in Veneto, Emilia Romagna, Lombardy, Liguria 830 809 -2.53% Tuscany, Lazio, Trentino and Liguria. Lombardy 3,025 2,934 -3.01% Analyzing the macro-areas, the foreign nationals Marche 400 334 -16.50% reported to the Judicial Authority in 2019 were Molise 64 36 -43.75 subdivided as follows: 61.47% in Northern Italy, Piedmont 893 1,358 52.07% 28.33% in Central Italy and 10.20% in Southern Apulia 357 202 -43.42% Italy and islands. Sardinia 137 161 17.52% y and islan Sicily 429 398 -7.23% Ital ds rn he C Tuscany 1,271 1,280 0.71% ut e o 10.20% n S tr a Trentno Alto Adige 462 482 4.33% l I t a

Umbria 429 304 -29.14% l y 28.33%

Valle d’Aosta 6 21 250.00%

1,025 1,129 10.15% Veneto

Internatonal waters 20 6 -70.00%

14,272 13,775 -3.48%

Total

y

61.47% l

a

t

Regional distributon of foreign natonals reported to the J.A. 2019 I

n

r

e

3,500 h

t

r

o

N

2,934

3,000

2,500 1,983 2,000

1,410 1,500 1,358 1,280 1,129 1,000 809 482 398 500 263 321 334 304 205 202 161 45 94 36 21 0 Lazio Sicilia Sicily Puglia Liguria Molise Apulia Veneto Umbria Marche Toscana Abruzzo Calabria Abruzzi Tuscany Sardinia Sardegna Basilicata Piemonte Campania Lombardia Piedmont Lombardy Valle Aosta D Friuli Ven. Giu. Trentino A. Ad. A. Trentino Emilia Romagna Emilia

88 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

Minors reported to the Judicial Authority In 2019, 1,281 minors were reported to the Judicial Authority (528 of them were arrested) equal to 3.67% of the total of the persons reported at national level, with an increase of 0.16% if compared to previous year. As highlighted in the following table, the reports (56 of which involved 14 year-old subjects) constantly increased as the adult age threshold approached. 305 (23.81%) of the minors reported to the Judicial Authority are foreigners, in particular from Senegal, Tunisia, Romania, Morocco, Albania and Gabon. Out of 70 women reported to the Judicial Authority, 7 (10%) were foreign nationals, in particular Romanian, Chinese, Dominican, Spanish and Ukrainian nationals. As to the type of offence, 1,272 minors were reported for trafficking/distribution (Art. 73) and 9 for conspiracy to drug trafficking (Art. 74).

Minors reported o Minors the judicial authority - by type of substance 2018-2019 reported to the J.A. 2018 2019 % variaton % variaton 2018 2019 2019 2019 Italians Foreigners Total Italians Foreigners Total Type of report Cocaine 106 68 174 105 119 224 28.74% Arrested 502 528 5.18% Heroin 8 17 25 11 16 27 8.00% Reported but not arrested 777 753 -3.09% Hashish 412 82 494 455 100 555 12.35% At large - - - Marijuana 449 75 524 353 50 403 -23.09% Type pof ofence Cannabis plants 18 - 18 10 - 10 -44.44% Illicit trafcking (Art.73) 1,273 1,272 -0.08% Synthetc drugs 3 1 4 10 5 15 275.00% Conspiracy to trafc (Art.74) 6 9 50% Other drugs 32 8 40 32 15 47 17.50% Other ofences - - - Total 1,028 251 1,279 976 305 1,281 0.16% Natonality Italy 1,028 976 -5.06% Other countries 251 305 21.51% Ten-year trend Senegal 23 50 117.39% In the last ten years the reports involving minors peaked Tunisia 44 46 4.55% in 2016, with 1,380 and reached the lowest point in Romania 30 34 13.33% 2014 with 1,066. Morocco 36 26 -27.78% Albania 18 23 27.78% Gabon 10 22 120.00% Minors reported - ten-year trend

Gender Males 1,204 1,211 0.58% 1,500 1,380 1,372 Females 75 70 -6.67% 1,281 1,277 1,279 1,281 1,151 1,193 1,134 Age 1,066 1,000 14 52 56 7.69% 15 194 206 6.19% 500 16 423 387 -8.51% 17 610 632 3.61% 0 Total 1,279 1,281 0.16% 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

89 Minors reported to the Judicial Authority - regional distribution Lazio, with a total number of 214 minors involved in drug trafficking, had the highest number of minors reported, followed by Lombardy, Piedmont, Veneto, Emilia Romagna, Liguria, Campania, Sicily and Tuscany. The lowest values were registered in Valle d'Aosta and Molise. As compared to 2018, significant increases in Regional distributon - Minors reported to the J.A. % variaton reports were registered in Piedmont, Valle d'Aosta, 2018 2019 2019 Emilia Romagna, Veneto, Campania, Lazio and Abruzzi 35 30 -14.29% Basilicata 13 15 15.38% Basilicata. Calabria 29 12 -58.62% The most striking drops, in percentage, occurred Campania 52 67 28.85% in Umbria, Calabria, Sicily, Tuscany, Sardinia, Apulia Emilia Romagna 51 87 70.59% and Marche. Friuli Venezia Giulia 49 42 -14.29% Analysing the macro-areas, in 2019, the minors Lazio 186 214 15.05% reported to the Judicial Authority were distributed Liguria 81 70 -13.58% as follows: 51.83% in Northern Italy, 24.67% in Lombardy 187 174 -6.95% Central Italy and 23.50% in Southern Italy and Marche 38 31 -18.42% islands. Molise 13 11 -15.38% Piedmont 66 141 113.64% Apulia 74 54 -27.03% nds isla 71 51 -28.17% d Sardinia an Ce Sicily 114 61 -46.49% ly n ta t I ra Tuscany 82 58 -29.27% n l r 23.50% I Trentno Alto Adige 32 30 -6.25% e t h a 24.67% l t y Umbria 32 13 -59.38% u

o

Valle d’Aosta 2 4 100.00% S

Veneto 72 116 61.11%

Internatonal waters - - -

Total 1,279 1,281 0.16%

2019 Regional distributon of minors reported to the J.A. in

51.83%

300

y

l

N

a o t

I

r t n h r 250 e 214 200 174

150 141 116

100 87 70 67 61 58 54 51

50 42 31 30 30 15 13 12 11 4 0 Sicily Lazio Sicilia Puglia Apulia Liguria Molise Veneto Umbria Marche Abruzzi Tuscany Sardinia Abruzzo Calabria Toscana Basilicata Sardegna Piemonte Campania Piedmont Lombardy Lombardia Valle DAosta Valle Friuli Ven. Giu. Trentino A. Ad. A. Trentino Emilia Romagna Emilia

90 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

DRUG ABUSE DEATHS

National situation In 20191, the deaths for drug abuse recorded by the law enforcement agencies and the Prefetture were 373, with an increase of 11.01% with respect to 2018, when drug deaths amounted to 336. Deaths for drug abuse were first recorded in Italy in 1973 (only one case was reported that year). In the course of the following 45 years, there have been 25,780 drug deaths. The initial upward trend was explained by the spreading – above all in the eighties and nineties – of heroin abuse. Up to now, this substance has always been the major cause of deaths. In the reporting year, the males deceased for drug abuse were 322 (86.33%),while females were 51 (13.67%), which confirms that the number of females who died of drug abuse has always been lower in comparison to that of males. Analyzing the age groups, the higher levels of mortality referred to those aged 25 and over and the peak records to the age group over 40. In 2019 the deaths were caused by heroin in 169 cases, by cocaine in 65 cases, by methadone in 16 cases, by amphetamine in 3 cases, by methamphetamine in 1 case, by benzodiazepine in 1 case, by fentanyl in 1 case, by morphine in 1 case, while in 115 cases the substance was not indicated.

Drug abuse deaths, five-year trend by age group and gender

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

F M F M F M F M F M

Age groups

< 15 ------

15 ÷ 19 2 5 1 4 4 6 3 4 2 6

20 ÷ 24 4 13 4 9 5 13 5 15 4 16

25 ÷ 29 8 15 2 16 4 24 4 21 10 26

30 ÷ 34 6 33 5 34 7 27 6 42 11 24

35 ÷ 39 7 65 7 46 9 44 8 53 5 47

≥ 40 15 135 8 132 12 142 23 152 19 203

42 266 27 241 41 256 49 287 51 322 Total 308 268 297 336 373

1 These figures refer to deaths due to direct drug abuse, and not to the indirect causes, for ex. road accidents caused by driving while intoxicated, or drug- related diseases. In addition, these data only refer to those deaths that were reported to the police authorities. It must be stressed that the drug abuse deaths documentation sent by the police authorities to the DCSA are not always completed by toxicological and post-mortem examinations.

91 Regional situation In 2019, Emilia Romagna (53), Tuscany, (39), Lombardy (37), Veneto (37) and Lazio (35) were the most affected regions. In respect to 2018, remarkable increases of drug abuse deaths were noticed in Sardinia (+66.67%), Emilia Romagna (+55.88%), Liguria (+33.33%), Calabria (+33.33%) and Marche (+30.77%). The most significant percentage drops were reported in Valle d'Aosta and Molise (-100%), Sicily (-50%), Basilicata (-33.33%) and Piedmont (-22.22%). Analyzing the macro-areas, in 2019, the deaths ascertained by the law enforcement services or reported by the Prefetture were distributed as follows: Northern Italy 49.87%, Central Italy 26.81% and Southern Italy and islands 23.32%.

Drug abuse deaths - regional distribution and macro-areas

Valle D Aosta 0 slands d i an Ce y n Molise 0 l tr ta a I l n It Basilicata 2 r 23.32% a e l h 26.81% y

t

Calabria 4 u

o

S

Apulia 7

Umbria 9

Trentino A. Ad.

9

49.87%

Sicily 9

Friuli Ven. Gi.

10

y

l

N

a o t

I r

t n h r Liguria 12 e

Abruzzi 14

Marche 17

Sardinia 25

Campania 26

Piedmont 28

Lazio 35

Veneto 37

Lombardy 37

Tuscany 39

Emilia Romagna 53

92 FIRST PART STATUS AND TRENDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING IN ITALY

In the last ten years, Lazio has been the most affected region with 410 deaths, followed by Campania (354), Emilia Romagna (351), Tuscany (340), Piedmont (300), Veneto (261) and Lombardy (240), while Molise (13), Valle d’Aosta (14) and Basilicata (19) have been marginally interested by this problem. In the following table, the drug abuse deaths are subdivided by region considering the last ten years, while the following graph describes – also at regional level - the death toll in the decade.

Drug abuse deaths - regional distribution: ten-year trend

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Abruzzi 8 7 6 10 8 3 3 11 15 14 Basilicata 1 3 1 1 1 3 3 1 3 2 Calabria 7 5 2 1 3 4 4 3 3 4 Campania 51 61 69 31 17 37 19 22 21 26 Emilia Romagna 20 33 38 34 37 43 25 34 34 53 Friuli Venezia Giulia 9 12 7 1 5 6 4 8 8 10 Lazio 72 41 51 57 35 33 20 37 29 35 Liguria 8 9 7 18 17 9 11 7 9 12 Lombardy 33 20 24 18 16 25 21 14 32 37 Marche 23 13 26 24 19 19 17 13 13 17 Molise 4 2 1 - 1 - - 2 3 - Piedmont 21 39 23 27 33 32 36 25 36 28 Apulia 8 5 3 5 7 2 3 9 6 7 Sardinia 15 13 20 23 21 19 15 10 15 25 Sicily 25 12 18 19 6 12 17 4 18 9 Tuscany 22 28 43 32 37 33 28 43 35 39 Trentno Alto Adige 2 5 3 6 4 4 6 5 8 9 Umbria 28 27 25 19 17 9 9 11 11 9 Valle d'Aosta 2 1 - 2 3 - 3 2 1 - Veneto 15 27 25 20 26 15 24 36 36 37

Number of subjects deceased in Italy 374 363 392 348 313 308 268 297 336 373 Number Total of Italians deceased abroad - 2 1 1 ------

Grand total 374 365 393 349 313 308 268 297 336 373

Drug abuse deaths - regional distribution of deaths in the ten-year period 2010-2019 500 410 400 354 351 340 300 300 261 240 184 200 176 165 140 107 85 100 70 55 36 52 19 13 14 0 Lazio Sicily Apulia Liguria Molise Abruzzi Veneto Umbria Marche Calabria Sardinia Tuscany Basilicata Piedmont Campania Lombardy Friuli Ven. Gi. Valle Aosta D Trentino A. Ad. A. Trentino Emilia Romagna Emilia

93

ACTIVITIES OF THE DIREZIONE CENTRALE PER I SERVIZI ANTIDROGA

2

SECOND PART ACTIVITIES OF THE DIREZIONE CENTRALE PER I SERVIZI ANTIDROGA

dcsa director

DIRECTOR’S STAFF Offce for General Planning and Coordination

Interpreters' Unit

SERVICE I SERVICE II SERVICE III General and International Affairs Study, Research and Information Antidrug Operations

Coordination Section

1st DIVISION 2nd DIVISION 1st DIVISION 2nd DIVISION 1st DIVISION 2nd DIVISION

Section Section Section Section Section Section Bilateral International Human resources Strategic analysis IT centre Northern Italy Operational analysis Affairs Section Section Section Section Section Section Technical equipment, Precursors D.A.D.E. (Direzione Central Italy Coordination of Italian Training and studies Telecommunications and Antidroga Data Entry) Law Enforcement Attachés Car feet Section Section abroad and foreign Law Section New psychoactive Section Southern Italy and islands Enforcement Attachés Legal Affairs Accounting offce Substances and Synthetic Archives and Library in Italy Drugs Section Confdential fles Section Multilateral International Drug@online Affairs Section Relations with the Customs Administration

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Foreword As envisaged by Presidential Order No. 309 dated 9 October 1990, the Direzione Centrale per i Servizi Antidroga is the Italian agency which, on behalf of the Ministry of the Interior, coordinates and plans the activities of Italian law enforcement agencies in preventing and combating illicit traffic in drugs and psychotropic substances. At international level it is the national contact point of foreign law enforcement agencies and technical bodies operating in Italy responsible for the cooperation in the drug field. In 2019, within the above-mentioned law, the 1st Service "General and International Affairs" of the Direzione Centrale per i Servizi Antidroga carried out multilateral, bilateral, training, legislative initiatives and provided technical support to the relevant criminal police investigations.

Multilateral activities At multilateral level, with the valuable support of Law Enforcement Attachés posted to the different foreign countries, DCSA took part in the initiatives developed by the United Nations, the European Union and other International bodies and/or Regional Platforms. a. United Nations At UN level mention must be made of the following activities:

97 • the works of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), the main UN Central Institution on drug control which develops the drug policies and is in charge of analyzing the global phenomenon and working out proposals to combat drug-related problems and strengthen the control systems. The 62nd CND Session, held in Vienna from 14 to 22 March 2019, was subdivided in a Ministerial Segment (March 14-15) and in an Ordinary Session (March 18 to 22). During the Ministerial Segment, organized on the occasion of ten-year anniversary of the Political Declaration and Action Plan of 2009: •• the ministerial declaration was officially adopted, as a reference instrument for International drug policy for the next years, through which the Member States have committed themselves in stepping up the implementation of the policies agreed in the last decade, through a balanced, multi-disciplinary and evidence-based approach, also thanks to the improvement of the data collection system; •• the concern for the cannabis legalization trend was expressed; •• the head of Italian delegation, Ambassador Maria Assunta Accili, Permanent Representative of Italy at the International Organizations in Vienna, took the floor and underlined the importance of the implementation of the operational recommendations of 2016 UNGASS Outcome Document, in line with the international Conventions on drugs. During the following Ordinary Session, subdivided in an operational and a regulatory segment: •• there was the approval of the proposal of placing a substance under International control, for four new fentanyl analogues, four synthetic cannabinoids, a cathinone and three precursors, now included in the relevant tables enclosed in the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, as amended by the 1972 Protocol, and in the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971; •• the vote on the recommendations on cannabis and related substances received from the WHO, was postponed; •• the motions for resolutions from Brazil, Norway, El Salvador, USA, Australia, Peru, Germany, Thailand and Turkey were examined and approved; •• the support to INCB in the performance of its duty was provided, in cooperation with the Member States and in collaboration with the CND and WHO (). •• 98 side events were organized along with numerous themed exhibition stands. Italy co-funded 3 side events (one during the Ministerial Segment entitled “A health-centred approach to drug dependence, a multi-factorial health disorder”, one together with the Comunità di San Patrignano on “Recovery from drugs” and the third with Ecuador, on “the progress in the availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes”). • CND intersessional meetings. In order to organize the 2020 Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), DCSA, also with the assistance of Law Enforcement Attaché in Vienna, participated in the CND intersessional

98 SECOND PART ACTIVITIES OF THE DIREZIONE CENTRALE PER I SERVIZI ANTIDROGA

meetings where the following issues were analyzed: •• the in-depth analysis of recommendations made by the WHO on the inclusion of cannabis and related substances in the tables of International control of narcotic drugs; •• the implementation of International commitments in the field of drug policy following the ministerial declaration of 2019. During the meeting, the Assistant Prosecutor of the Anti-Mafia and Anti-Terrorism Department in Genoa described the investigation known as "Arbataz", as an example of excellent judicial and police cooperation in the European context; •• the increase in the production of narcotic drugs and in the diversion of chemical precursors; •• the rise in health and public security risks linked to the use of non-therapeutical use of synthetic opiates and pharmaceutical products subject to medical prescription. • Participation in the Regional meetings of the Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (HONLEA). HONLEA (Heads of National Law Enforcement Agencies) was created in 1973. It is a subsidiary body of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs whose purpose is to put into practice police cooperation against illicit drug trafficking at regional level. It is organized according to specific areas of influence: Europe, Asia and Pacific, Africa, Latin America and Caribbean countries. The heads of the Drug Agencies (or their delegates) belonging to the same geographic area meet each year in order to share strategies aiming at preventing and fighting against drug trafficking and to improve international cooperation programmes against drug trafficking. In 2019, DCSA delegates took part in the following meetings: •• 13th HONLEA Europe (Lisbon, 2-5 July) The Assembly adopted several operational recommendations on the abuse of new technologies and communication methods used for illicit activities related to drugs; new operational methods and trends in the sector of concealment and transportation systems; precursors manufacture and trafficking; methods used to guarantee national holistic responses through an enhanced cooperation between national Authorities, in particular law enforcement services, health and Justice authorities; •• 29th HONLEA Africa (Balaclava – Republic of Mauritius, 16-20 September); •• 29th HONLEA Latin America and Caribbean (Lima, 7-11 October); •• 43rd HONLEA Asia and Pacific (Bangkok, 23-25 October). • CARICC (Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Centre). Seated in Almaty/, an intergovernmental organization supported by UNODC, in charge of the exchange and management of information concerning the trafficking in narcotic drugs and their precursors in . Italy is one of the donors in the framework of projects, and an observer, along with other countries. Italy also participates in the platform activities through its Law Enforcement Attaché in Tashkent (Uzbekistan).

99 On 14 November 2019, in Almaty (Kazakhstan) there was the Conference of the Liaison Officers of the CARICC member countries and observers. During the meeting − which, on an annual basis, convenes the main operational law enforcement agencies – the NPS issue was also discussed and the results of the two operations "REFLEX 2019" and "DISRUPTION" were described. • participation in other activities in collaboration with UNODC. Moreover, DCSA participated in numerous activities under the auspices of the UNODC, such as: •• the project “Airport Communication Programme (AIRCOP)”, to develop training activities aimed at enhancing the airport surveillance mechanism in Western, Central and Eastern Africa and carried out in Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Nigeria and Senegal by an officer of the Guardia di Finanza. The project “AIRCOP”, is under the umbrella of UNODC and is financially supported by the European Union and Canada. The goal of the project is to enhance interdiction capacity of drug trafficking by air in Western African countries and Americas through Joint Airport Interdiction Task Forces (JAITF) in the relevant countries, which can also ensure the secure exchange of sensitive information; •• the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), UN organization set up with the Single Convention of New York of 1961, dedicated to the control of the implementation and actual functioning of the UN Conventions in the drug field of the adhering Countries; •• the 54th Conference of the Sub-commission on the illicit drug trafficking in the Near and Middle East (Tashkent − Uzbekistan, 23/27 September 2019); •• 8th meeting of the Steering Committee of the Regional Program for Afghanistan and neighboring countries (Almaty − Kazakhstan, 24 (July 2019), on the heroin trafficking from Afghanistan through bordering countries, in particular Iran. •• Regional workshop on the challenges and consequences deriving from illicit drug trafficking in Afghanistan (Almaty − Kazakhstan, 21-22 November 2019).

b. European Union The annual report 2019 of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) shows that Europe is an important drug market which is supplied both by the domestic production and the illicit import from other Regions. In particular, the data highlight huge cocaine seizures and an increase in illicit labs for synthetic drug production and heroin manufacture. Moreover, a significant increase in the active principle of cannabis and new production techniques were also registered. In addition, while a decrease in HIV deaths was noted, a rise in overdose deceases was observed. • Horizontal Drug Group” (HDG). It was established in 1997 and is responsible for leading and managing the work on drugs

100 SECOND PART ACTIVITIES OF THE DIREZIONE CENTRALE PER I SERVIZI ANTIDROGA

of the Council of the European Union. Within this Group the representatives of the Member States analyze overall and legislative strategic initiatives in supply and demand reduction. Among the different initiatives of this working group carried out during the Romanian and Finnish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, mention must be made of the following aspects: •• the European Commission launched the process of evaluation of the EU Drugs Strategy 2013-2020; •• a shared position at EU level was defined, in view of the preparation of Commission on Narcotic Drugs sessions 2019 and 2020, in particular regarding the decisions to adopt on: - the proposal to include new psychoactive substances in the Tables; - the revision process of the Annual Report Questionnaire (ARQ); - the WHO recommendations on including cannabis and its derivatives in the Tables; •• the s.c. “dialogues” aimed at maintaining and developing relations with many international partners. The following meetings held in 2019 are worth mentioning: - meeting with the US representatives on cannabis legalization; - meeting with Brazil for an Exchange of ideas on developing drug policies; - meeting with Russia, on the presentation of some reports on “drug supply and organized crime − political actions”; - meeting with CELAC countries through the constant contribution to the preparatory work for the technical committee EU-CELAC and the participation in the High Level Meeting on the cooperation mechanism between the European Union and the countries in the area. • “periodical meetings of the National Coordinators on the drug phenomenon”, aiming at developing a common policy and encouraging cooperation in the fight against drugs. The national representatives, who are responsible for the drug policies, participate in the meetings whose topics of discussion are laid down by the Country having the Presidency of the Council for the European Union. • the “Dublin Group”, is an informal group set up in 1990 with the purpose of evaluating the regional cooperation in favour of drug producing and/or transit countries. In 2019, this Group further developed the updates of the global drug situation through regional situation reports of the s.c. “mini-groups”, one of them (the mini-group on Central Asia) is headed by Italy through DCSA Law Enforcement Attaché in Tashkent (Uzbekistan). • EUROPOL: DCSA adhered and actively participates, since its start in 2017, in the programme aimed at strengthening the fight against drug trafficking within a specific “Programme Board” of EUROPOL. The Board worked out an Action Plan which was approved during the annual conference of the Heads of the European Drug Agencies and identified the priorities for a coordinated law enforcement response to drug supply. Among the issues addressed in the meetings of the “Programme Board” in 2019, mention

101 must be made of the following subjects: •• an increase in the volumes and profits derived from drug abuse; •• the first seizure in Europe of a submarine used to transport cocaine from South America; •• the starting of dialogues with China which is the first world precursors producer; •• the need to review the legislation on confiscation was emphasized; •• the “South Route”, which is increasingly used for drug trafficking was pointed out; •• the postal consignments as relevant drug trafficking modus operandi was underlined. • the Pompidou Group, is an inter-governmental body of cooperation in the fight against abuse and illicit traffic in drugs established in 1971 on the initiative of the French President Georges Pompidou, then included in the framework of the Council of Europe. DCSA took part in the 34th Meeting of the Airport Group in Strasbourg on 19-20 June 2019. • On 27 November 2019, DCSA representatives participated in the Second meeting of the" drug experts" on the "EU Policy Cycle 2018-2021, cooperation programmes and focus on cocaine trafficking", by the European Commission. The meeting was organized in order to enhance the awareness in the fight against cocaine trafficking and promote a greater adherence and synergies between the European funding and the EU programmes combating the organized crime and the cooperation programmes focusing on the fight against cocaine trafficking. c. Other International Organizations and Regional Platforms. Further multilateral activities, in cooperation with other regional initiatives and platforms involved: • OSCE − Organization for Security and Cooperation in Vienna. The Direzione Centrale per i Servizi Antidroga also through the cooperation of its Law Enforcement Attachés in Vienna and Tashkent, actively took part in the implementation of several institutional activities. In particular, the Director participated: •• in the Annual Conference on the fight against illicit drug trafficking and diversion of chemical precursors held in Vienna on 3 – 4 June 2019, with the participation of over 150 delegates from Member States and OSCE Partners, besides representatives of international organizations, academia and civil society. On this occasion, the Slovak Presidency of the OSCE highlighted the alarming spread of synthetic drugs; •• in the Conference on regional and International cooperation in the fight against terrorism and its financing through drug trafficking and organized crime, held in Dushanbe (Tajikistan) on 16 - 17 May 2019. • the G7, Rome-Lyon group, international forum including experts and state officials from Canada, France, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, United States of America and Italy as well as representatives of the European Union and other International organizations. In 2019, France took the chair of the Group. The DCSA participated in the meetings held in Paris in March and October, in the framework of the sub-group LEPSG (Law Enforcement Projects Sub Group).

102 SECOND PART ACTIVITIES OF THE DIREZIONE CENTRALE PER I SERVIZI ANTIDROGA

In particular, during the final plenary session, the French Presidency summed up the works of the sub-groups and, regarding drug trafficking, stated that the group Rome-Lyon will go on dealing with the phenomenon of online synthetic drug sale, enhancing its efforts to promote an international response. • MAOC(N) − Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre (Narcotics), seated in Lisbon (Portugal), multilateral cooperation operational platform focused on the fight against drug trafficking via sea and air, based on an international agreement signed by the Ministers of the Interior of 7 EU Member countries (France, Ireland, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal and United Kingdom), co-financed by the ISF – Internal Security Fund of the European Union. It was established in 2007: this Centre actively contributed in coordinating numerous operations. DCSA represents Italy at the MAOC-N Executive Board, that also includes the representatives of the other 6 Member states. The Board is in charge of the strategic guidelines, of information exchange and coordination of the antidrug operations through Liaison Officers. In 2019, on DCSA proposal and after long negotiations, the Executive Board of MAOC(N) finally approved the “Guidelines”, in line with those adopted in the EU, to select the staff intended to hold managerial positions within the MAOC (N) and to review the Handbook, which contains the rules of the centre functioning. In particular, mentioned staff will be selected by considering new specific skills at technical, professional and education level. Besides, the new rules provide for a rotation of such managerial roles, establishing time obligations. In case of similar qualification, such roles should be assigned to candidates of countries who have not previously held managerial positions in the Centre. • IDEC (International Drug Enforcement Conference), an annual forum organized by the U.S. D.E.A. that gathers senior officials in charge of identifying drug control strategies. In 2019, the conference took place in Baku (Azerbaijan) where the importance of enhancing international cooperation was pointed out. Special attention was given to new technologies, enhancing counter-activities to re-invest illicit drug trafficking proceeds, depriving the criminal organizations of financial resources. This Conference was also an important opportunity to meet, in the margin of the works, the delegations from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Colombia, Kyrgyzstan and Georgia: DCSA shared with them the willingness to strengthen the investigative cooperation, also through the elaboration of "antidrug operational memoranda". • participation in the Southern Route Partnership Meeting" (Cape Town, 16 September 2019) and in the "2nd INTERPOL Global Conference on Illicit Drugs" (Cape Town, 17-19 September 2019). During this conference, involving about 200 delegates coming from 97 Member States, Interpol representatives pointed out the importance of adhering to the projects "Drug Analysis File" and "Relief Database", regarding the collection of data and information pertaining to drug seizures carried out internationally. Aside the Conference, a bilateral meeting took place between the DCSA and INTERPOL

103 representatives, concerning a project (in which Italy could be the leading country), in the fight against drug trafficking along the Southern Route, with the involvement of East Africa Countries affected by this phenomenon. This project, if achieved, should provide for the realization of operations in the above-mentioned area, training assistance and an exchange of personnel. • participation in the 157th meeting of the Working Group South-East for the fight against drug trafficking, held in Fürth (Germany) from 30 September to 2 October 2019. This is an informal cooperation initiative, run by the Bavarian crime police (Bayerisches Landeskriminalamt) – aimed at planning strategies and developing collaboration relations – to foster the info- operational exchange between different countries in the fight against opiates, with a special attention to the criminal organizations controlling the drug flow in the Danube region and in the South-East of Europe. • participation in an international seminar organized by the CECLAD-M (Anti-drug Coordination Centre for the Mediterranean) − held in Paris on 26 - 27 November 2019 – aimed at achieving the subscription of a first version of the "declaration of conclusions on strengthening police cooperation in the fight against illicit drug trafficking, psychotropic substances and chemical precursors by sea and air, in the ” between Croatia, Egypt, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Lebanon, Morocco, Senegal and Turkey.

Bilateral activities. In 2019, DCSA international bilateral cooperation on illicit drug trafficking mainly aimed at: • evaluating international agreements on police cooperation and/or security upon request of the Office for Cooperation and Planning of Police Forces, which is competent in this matter; starting negotiations to develop bilateral agreements upon request of foreign counterparts or upon DCSA initiative, in close cooperation with the above-mentioned Office; • organizing international visits and meetings with foreign counterparts both at DCSA Headquarters and at the relevant countries, with the exception of operational and training-related visits and meetings; • participating in international events; • drafting of papers and situation reports to be consulted by the Ministry of the Interior and Chief of Police – Director General of Public Security and during the coordination of meetings at the International Relations Section of the Office for the Coordination and Planning of the Police Forces. Negotiations. Opinions given upon request of the Office for the Coordination and Planning of the Police Forces on bilateral international agreements to be negotiated with the following countries: • Qatar. Draft Protocol on the maintenance of public order and safety during major events; • Turkmenistan. Draft bilateral agreement on cooperation in the fight against crime;

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• India. Draft Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen police cooperation; • Bahrain. Proposal of bilateral cooperation in the field of security; • Turkey. Draft proposal for a Joint Commission; • Iran. Action Plan between the Department of Public Security of the Ministry of the Interior of the Italian Republic and the Law Enforcement Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to strengthen police cooperation; • Ivory Coast. Draft Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen police cooperation; • Tajikistan. Draft bilateral cooperation agreement on cooperation in the field of security; • Kuwait. Draft intergovernmental action plan to strengthen cooperation in the field of security; • Ivory Coast. Declaration of intents. Negotiations to develop bilateral agreements upon request of foreign counterparts or upon DCSA initiative with: • Canada: Police cooperation agreement between the Government of the Italian Republic and the Federal Government of Canada; • North Macedonia: Anti-Drug Memorandum of Understanding between the Central Directorate for Anti-Drug Services of the Department of Public Security of the Ministry of the Interior of the Italian Republic and the Public Security Bureau of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Macedonia; • Russian Federation: Joint Action Plan between the Central Directorate for Anti-Drug Services of the Ministry of the Interior of the Italian Republic and the Federal Drug Control Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation on the fight against the drug threat in the years 2019-2022; • Iran: Letter of bilateral cooperation on the fight against trafficking in drugs and precursors; • Tajikistan: Technical agreement on the fight against illicit drug trafficking; • Ghana: Draft Memorandum of Understanding. Moreover, negotiations are underway to sign Anti-Drug Operational Memorandums with Albania, Brazil, Bulgaria, Colombia, Ecuador, Ghana, Morocco, Montenegro, Romania, Ukraine, Uzbekistan. Mention must also be made of: • Protocol between the Department of Public Security of the Ministry of the Interior of the Italian Republic and the Naval Intelligence Command of the Colombian Navy on the cooperation in the fight against traffic in illicit drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors (Rome, 14 October 2019), signed by the Director of the Central Directorate for Anti-Drug Services on behalf of the Chief of the Italian Police- Director General of Public Security; • Memorandum of Understanding between the Italian Department of Public Security and the National Drug Control Directorate of the Dominican Republic on police cooperation against illicit traffic in drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors (Santo Domingo 14 January 2020).

105 Institutional visits and foreign delegations. As part of its bilateral relations with foreign countries, delegates of the Central Directorate for Anti- Drug Services took part in the following inter-ministerial meetings on security and international cooperation: • Austria. Technical arrangement between the Department of Public Security of the Ministry of the Interior of the Italian Republic and the Federal Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Austria – Preparatory meeting (DCPC-SCIP, 22 January 2019); • Austria. Technical arrangement between the Department of Public Security of the Ministry of the Interior of the Italian Republic and the Federal Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Austria – (DCPC-SCIP, 13-14 February 2019); • Ghana. Cooperation in the field of migration. European Commission call for proposal (UCPFP, 15 March and 4 April 2019); • Israel. Preparation of the fifth bilateral Technical Panel on Security. Coordination Meeting (UCPFP, 18 April 2019); • Jordan. Preparation of the 1st Technical Panel implementing the cooperation agreement on the fight against crime signed in 2011 and entered into force on 21 December 2016. Cooperation project with the Jordan authorities to develop video-surveillance systems destined for the capital city of Amman (DCPC-SCIP, 9 May 2019); • Iran. Meeting to introduce the Italian Ambassador to Tehran, Minister Plenipotentiary Giuseppe Perrone (MAECI, 24 May 2019); • Israel. Fifth bilateral Technical Panel implementing the bilateral Agreement on security signed in Rome on 2 December 2013 (UCPFP, 17-20 September 2019); • Preliminary Meeting in view of the Third Meeting of the Working Group foreseen by the “Action Plan between the Ministry of the Interior of the Italian Republic and the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation on cooperation in the fight against crime,”, signed in Trieste on 26 November 2013 (UCPFP, 7 October 2019); • Third Meeting of the Working Group foreseen by the "Action Plan between the Ministry of the Interior of the Italian Republic and the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation on cooperation in the fight against crime”, signed in Trieste on 26 November 2013 (UCPFP, 28 October 2019); • Meeting to introduce the new Italian Ambassador to Kosovo (MAECI, 20 November 2019). Moreover, DCSA representatives also participated in the following international meetings: • Turkey. Visit to Ankara of a delegation of the Department of Public Security for a technical meeting (Ankara, 22-24 January 2019); • Russian Federation. Institutional visit to the Ministry of the Interior of the Russian Federation of a DCSA delegation headed by DCSA Director (, 27-29 March 2019); • 1st Bilateral Technical Panel implementing the cooperation Agreement on the fight against crime signed in 2011 and entered into force on 21 December 2016; Project of cooperation with

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the Jordan Authority to develop video-surveillance systems destined for the capital of Amman (Amman, 10-14 June 2019); • Meeting of the Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (HONLEA), Latin America and the Caribbean, meeting of the Heads of Drug Law Enforcement Agencies at the regional level - DCSA participated as an observer on behalf of Italy – ( Lima, 7-11 October 2019); • EL PAcCTO Programme – Regional Seminar on "The fight against cybercrime" (Santiago de Chile, 22-25 October 2019); • Third Meeting of the Working Group foreseen by the "Action Plan between the Ministry of the Interior of the Italian Republic and the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation on cooperation in the fight against crime”, signed in Trieste on 26 November 2013 (Moscow, 25-28 November 2019).

Situation Report. 74 “Situation Reports” - documents which outline drug trafficking situation and police cooperation in the fight against illicit drug trafficking in a particular country - were worked out on the occasion of international meetings with top-ranking authorities. The situation reports concerned the following countries: Ethiopia, Finland, Austria, Switzerland, Turkey, Brazil, Iran, Burkina Faso, China, Republic of Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, United Arab Emirates, Ivory Coast, France, Montenegro, Canada, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, United States of America, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Russian Federation, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Israel, Hungary, Serbia, Finland, Jordan, Poland, Malta, China, North Macedonia, Albania, Croatia, Paraguay, Colombia, Denmark, Spain, Peru, Turkey, Mexico, India, Sudan, Gambia, Slovenia, Kosovo, Morocco.

TRAINING ACTIVITIES In 2019, DCSA organized the following training sessions in favour of 229 national and foreign law enforcement officers, for a total of 39 training days: • "Drug on line" Course; • Course for drug "undercover agents"; • Drug seminar for "undercover agents"; • Course on clandestine laboratories and new psychoactive substances; • Workshop "The fight against drug trafficking"; • Course for Heads of Drug Units. DCSA also organized dedicated workshops. The training sessions consisted both of frontal lectures and theoretic-practical lessons. Laboratory activities and exercises simulating real operations completed the training. Courses and workshops were held by experts in the field, representatives of the academic sector, prosecutors and qualified national and foreign law enforcement officers, who exchanged with participants their professional and personal experience, encouraging and improving their professional skills and knowledge. Qualified representatives of DCSA also

107 Workshop "The fght against drug trafcking" "Drug on line" Course

participated as teachers in many training sessions organized by national law enforcement agencies and DCSA also assisted national law enforcement authorities in organizing their own lessons. In the same way, DCSA developed training sessions, also including lessons based on best-practice, on the fight against International drug trafficking in favour of foreign counterparts. Moreover, under the auspices of UNODC, a fruitful exchange programme was launched with the Iranian counterpart. The “Air Border Security Training”, which analyzed air border security also in terms of drugs and terrorism, was held in Teheran on 10-13 November 2019 in favour of the personnel of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Thanks to the cooperation and the financial support of UNODC it was possible to encourage the participation of Italian officers and DCSA representatives in the training sessions organized by foreign counterparts.

LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY In 2019, upon request of the Legislative Office of the Department of Public Security, the legislative unit provided its opinion as to No. 19 bills and draft laws to be examined by the Italian Parliament. No.38 opinions were given as to possibility for the Ministry of the Interior to launch a civil action within criminal proceedings on drugs. Moreover the Section drafted answers to 37 Parliament questions made by the Parliament inspection body (queries, requests, motions). Legislative support in the drug field was also constantly provided to external national and EU bodies and to the liaison officers of foreign counterparts. As to the trade in cannabis inflorescences for fiber hemp with low THC content, the Section worked out a circular letter of explanation having as subject: "Legal-operational aspects connected to the cultivation and trade in fiber hemp buds with low THC content and links to the drug legislation” sent to the top-ranking authorities of national law enforcement agencies and to the provincial authorities of Public Security.

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SUPPORT TO CRIMINAL POLICE INVESTIGATIONS The Technical Equipment Section within the II Division of the I Service at D.C.S.A. remarkably contributes to the investigations carried out by local operational units. It provides technical-logistic support to all law enforcement authorities by supplying high-tech means and arranging the well- proven car-rental procedure during undercover operations. The assistance given by the Technical Equipment Section is also cost-effective since there is no need of outsourcing. The staff maintains constant and fruitful relations with the Prosecutor’s Offices having the jurisdiction over the investigations so to widen the scope of the investigation, above all by collecting non-repeatable evidence. The technical-logistic support provided in 2019 by the Technical Equipment Section to the local units can be summarized as follows: • No. 75 room – audio GPS interceptions • No. 48 room-video monitoring; • No. 2,554 cars rented.

TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION UNIT The Translation and Interpretation Unit translates papers and documents to and from English, Spanish, French, German and Russian, including the Annual Report issued by the Central Directorate for Anti-Drug Services. In 2019 its staff also participated in meetings and courses held at DCSA Headquarters, offering simultaneous and consecutive interpreting and cooperated with other Offices of the Department of Public Security.

MONITORING ON NEW PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES (NPS) AND SYNTHETIC DRUGS The analysis of statistical data highlights that synthetic drug trafficking is constantly increasing. In the illicit drug trade1 synthetic drugs and NPS continue to gain ground over conventional drugs like cannabis and cocaine ‒ and to a lesser extent – heroin. This trend concerns many types of synthetic substances which differ in terms of molecular structure and effects, like amphetamines, methamphetamines, ecstasy, ketamine, GHB or L.S.D and create strong addiction, physical and mental disorders, mostly irreversible. Over the past decade the threat posed by synthetic drugs has also been facilitated by the dramatic growth of e-commerce, globalization and the increased possibility for consumers ‒ and often pushers ‒ to make purchases on-line remaining anonymous and eluding the controls. Hence the difficulty for law enforcement officers to monitor tens of millions of deliveries invading the Internet

1 The United Natons Ofce on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) uses the term New Psychoactve Substances - NPS which are defned as "substances of abuse, either in a pure form or a preparaton that are not controlled by the 1961 Single Conventon on Narcotc Drugs or the 1971 Conventon on Psychotropic Substances but which may pose a public health threat".

109 each year. The growth of these substances goes along with an increase in the social threat both in terms of public order and public health. The psychoactive effect of synthetic drugs is stronger than the above-mentioned conventional drugs. As a result, the counteractivity by law enforcement agencies is more difficult, as shown by recent operations. Indeed from 10 grams of fentanyl, which is a powerful synthetic opioid, it is possible to obtain an extremely high number of doses. Another threat posed by the consumption of synthetic drugs is linked to their production, which is very simple and is often carried out in kitchen labs using rudimental equipment. As a result, first- aid treatment is very difficult since the side-effects and clinical effects are not thoroughly known. Considering this change in the scenario, institutions have to adopt new counterstrategies. In order to better cope with this emerging threat, DCSA decided to set up two ad-hoc sections: the Drug@ online Section which operates on the web and supports national law-enforcement agencies to better fight against online drug trafficking, acting as a focal point for the information to and from abroad and the Synthetic Drugs and New Psychoactive Section, which has a proactive approach, analyzing the “new markets” and looking for more effective counterstrategies. Within this framework DCSA has developed a project called "Hermes", which is financed by the Department for Anti-Drug Policies of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and aims at creating an effective barrier against the illicit introduction of these substances through an extensive control of postal deliveries, including private delivery services. The goal of Hermes is to train a series of law enforcement officers, who are properly dedicated to the controls, providing them with high- tech equipment and to work out a risk analysis software so to focus checks on sensitive deliveries. In order to protect the health of consumers, DCSA cooperates with the Early Warning Systems for Drugs (SNAP), a National communication platform coordinated by the Department for Anti-Drug Policies (DPA) of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers with the technical-scientific support of the Italian Institute of Health. SNAP issues a monthly report on all the information available on new psychoactive substances coming on the market and new drug consumption methods. In 2019, 15 new psychoactive substances were identified and reported. They were mainly cannabinoids, cathinones and opioids (including two fentanyl analogues), which were not included in the drug tables under the Decree of the President of the Italian Republic No. 309/90 (the Act consolidating the laws on drugs an psychotropic substances). Moreover, at the international level, SNAP closely cooperates with EMCDDA (European Monitoring Centre for Drug and Drug Addition) in Lisbon (Portugal). DCSA is the focal point of the International Narcotics Control Board (I.N.C.B.) as to the dedicated IT platform called I.O.N.I.C.S. (International Operation on NPS Incident Communication System). This platform keeps records of all the operations carried out by national law enforcement agencies in the field of synthetic drug production and traffic. It is also the focal point of Europol within the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT), with NPS/Synthetic Drugs

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as priority area , which allows a constant exchange of information with Member states on specific operations. Feeling the need to tackle the issue from a wider perspective and to disseminate relevant information, DCSA, in cooperation with DPA, organized in November 2019 a national workshop destined for all stockholders, with the title “Synthetic Drugs and New Psychoactive Substances. An evolving scenario: from amphetamines to Fentanyl” at the Congress Centre of the University of Sacred Heart in Rome. The workshop was opened by Pref. Franco Gabrielli ‒ Chief of the Police and Director General of P.S. ‒, by the Cons .Maria Contento, Head of the Department for Anti-Drug Policies and by the Dir. Gen of P.S. Giuseppe Cucchiara ‒ Director of the Central Directorate for Antidrug Services and qualified speakers gave their contribution, among whom, Dott. Federico Cafiero De Raho ‒ National Anti-Mafia and Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor ‒, Dott. Gilberto Gerra ‒ UNODC member ‒ as well as representatives of DPA, of the Italian Health Institute, the Italian Ministry of Health, Law Enforcement Agencies and the scientific and university sector.

Workshop on “Synthetc drugs and NPS”: Address by the Workshop on “Synthetc drugs and NPS”: address by the Italian Chief of Police, Prefeto Franco Gabrielli DCSA Director Giuseppe Cucchiara

FOCUS

HERMES Project

The globalizaton of markets and the consequent growth of e-commerce facilitated the spread of drugs, in partcular the synthetc ones, that show their psychotropic potental with tny quanttes in terms of milligrams. This change requires the implementaton of the natonal antdrug strategy. Besides the traditonal, and stll efcient investgaton methods, a new expertse is needed to tackle this new social threat travelling inside millions of packages mailed throughout Italy, carrying substances that are dangerous for health, especially for the new generatons that are more inclined to use the Internet (surface and deep web). ./.

111 ./. Within this framework, the Direzione Centrale per i Servizi Antdroga, law enforcement multagency coordinaton body and the Department of Antdrug Policies, the natonal body supportng the promoton and coordinaton of the governmental actvity in mater of antdrug policies, drew up an interinsttutonal agreement for shared acton, in order to strengthen the protecton of public health, security and public order in this sector. This initatve is aimed at fghtng against the sale of drugs, mainly the synthetc ones, including the fentanyls, synthetc opioids that are considered a threat at internatonal level, by monitoring and controlling postal shipments moved by public and private couriers, including those not passing through customs posts and/or borders. In partcular, this project, which is a challenging innovaton for our country, will be developed through the following stages: - gathering of info-technical knowledge, expertse and equipment to develop efectve monitoring and counteracton actvites; - setng up a permanent risk centre, which is essental to identfy the targets of further in- depth checks; - fnalizing the project with the involvement of the law enforcement agencies, through a feld testng, that will enable to map this phenomenon. The results of the observaton, inspecton and, if any, counteracton actvites, will represent unique and efcient informaton assets as well as a useful instrument improving the Early Warning System (SNAP) developed at natonal level.

CONTROLLED CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES – DRUG PRECURSORS Controlled chemical substances, which are usually called “Drug precursors” are chemicals which are used to produce narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. They are primarily used for a wide range of legitimate purposes, as for example to produce plastic materials, medicines, cosmetics, detergents and perfumes. Acetic anhydride or potassium permanganate are both used in the chemical industry as bleaches, moreover, acetic anhydride is needed to transform morphine into heroin while potassium permanganate to transform cocaine paste into cocaine. Their widespread use for licit purposes makes it impossible to prohibit the trade in drug precursors. It is thus necessary to monitor their licit trade and guarantee that they are not diverted to illicit use. Over the years, the prevention of drug precursor diversion has proven to be an effective and efficient method to curb the illicit drug supply and has become an important part of the world drug strategy. The world drug control strategy is based on Art. 12 of the “UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances” signed in Vienna on 20 December 1988 and INCB (International Narcotics Control Board) is responsible for its implementation. The EU legislation on drug precursors is based on two fundamental Regulations: - (EC) Regulation No. 111/2005, on drug precursors trade between EU and Third countries; - (EC) Regulation No. 273/2004, on drug precursors trade within EU. Both regulations contain tables/categories which identify and classify all controlled chemical substances, “precursors”. At national level, Art. 70 of the Presidential Decree No. 309 of 9 October, 1990 ‒ Consolidated Act on Drugs ‒ defines all the commitments of the firms that intend to produce/trade in precursors and the penalties/sanctions provided for those who do not comply with them. Such Decree also identifies two main Authorities in charge of the control: - the Ministry of Health, through the Ufficio Centrale Stupefacenti (Central Drugs Office), as the Authority issuing licences/authorizations and having power of control over the “operators”, i.e.

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the firms involved; - the Ministry of the Interior, through DCSA, that gathers the data on transactions and coordinates Law Enforcement Agencies that concretely carry out checks on the “operators”. Precursors are likewise subdivided by the Italian and EU laws into four categories, based on their dangerousness and substitutability and each of them is subject to a different bureaucratic, control and sanctioning system. The Direzione Centrale per i Servizi Antidroga, carries out important functions established by law with regard to precursors, in particular: - control (Art. 70 c.15 DPR 309/90). Commercial operators are obliged to communicate all transactions involving mentioned substances, including those from and towards foreign countries; - coordination (Art. 97 of D.P.R. 309/1990 and Art. 9 of the Law No. 146 of 16 March, 2006, as amended by Legislative Decree No. 50 del 2011), providing the possibility for the law enforcement agencies to carry out investigations, through special operations (undercover) and controlled deliveries, also in the drug precursors area. As to its control functions, DCSA closely cooperates with the Ministry of Health and the Customs and Monopolies Agency, coordinating local law enforcement units that carry out inspections at the involved operators, through its archive of transactions, called G.A.Do.P. (Document Archive Management on Precursors). Furthermore, at international level, D.C.S.A. maintains contacts with foreign countries, its representatives participate in the works of the European Commission, the European Council and other UN bodies, operating as national focal point in important projects and IT platforms managed by INCB: - PRISM ‒ which was launched in 2003 in the field of synthetic drugs, it monitors legal chemical substances that can be used as precursors of ATS (Amphetamine-type stimulants); - COHESION ‒ launched in 2006, it monitors legal chemical substances that can be used as precursors of heroin and cocaine; - PEN-Online (Pre-Export Notification) ‒ a fundamental tool to prevent the diversion of licitly traded precursors among the Convention’s signatory countries. In 2019 INCB informed that 164 Countries joined the system and the other 33 are constantly encouraged to sign it without delay; - PICS (Precursors Incident Notification System) ‒ enables and promotes the sharing of information on precursors diversion and seizures among participating countries. In 2019, 270 international Police and Customs Agencies of 117 countries participated in it, with more than 500 registered users. During 2019 the communicated incidents involved 35 destination countries. Since 2012 there has been a total amount of over 2,700 reports by participating countries, with an average of approximately 350 per year2.

2 Publicaton: “Precursors and chemicals frequently used in the illicit manufacture of narcotc drugs and psychotropic substances 2019” (published by UN INCB).

113 Such instruments provide a global overview on licit trade and on the events involving precursors, which are very useful to develop strategies and forecasts.

FOCUS

Designer precursors

The producton of synthetc drugs, such as amphetamines, methamphetamine and MDMA has a long traditon in Europe. Producton techniques are contnuously developing to avoid identfcaton, controls and sanctons. Alternatve substances are used to modify synthetc drugs and their precursors and this modifcaton has become the favourite producton method to elude the natonal legislatons. This fact causes a legal batle aimed at including the new drugs and their precursors into the Tables of scheduled substances, so that Customs and Law enforcement authorites can operate seizures and make reports. Therefore, the designer drugs and designer precursors phenomenon accelerates the response of insttutons to update the Tables of Narcotc Drugs and Precursors, in order to provide the legal instruments which are essental to carry out counteracton. The European data on the seizures of chemical substances found in illegal laboratories confrm that both the traditonal scheduled precursors and new substtutes or adjuvants - not scheduled yet - are used. For example, as far amphetamines and methamphetamines are concerned, since APAAN(alpha-phenylacetoacetonitrile), precursor of BMK (benzyl methyl ketone), was included in the Tables in 2013, clandestne producers started using the alternatve substance APAA (Alpha-phenyl acetoacetamide), that is not scheduled yet, as demonstrated by the seizures carried out by law enforcement authorites. The same thing happened with the glycidic derivatves of BMK, i.e. BMK methyl-glycidate, BMK ethyl-glycidate and BMK glycidic acid since they are not included in Tables. The trend of the seizures of precursors and new alternatve chemical substances, as well as the growing number of dismantled clandestne laboratories, shows that the Netherlands play a key role in the synthetc drug producton at EU level. The response of the internatonal community to the designer precursors phenomenon is threefold: - the United Natons, through INCB (Internatonal Narcotc Control Board) and CND (Commission on Narcotc Drugs) deal with the procedure of inclusion of the new precursors into the UN tables (on 18 October 2017 ANPP and NPP, precursors of Fentanyl were included, on 19 November 2019 the PMK glycidate, PMK glycidic acid and APAA, mainly used in methamphetamines and MDMA producton, while the inclusion of MAPA is under examinaton); - the European Union, afer including ANPP and NPP, precursors of Fentanyl into Category 1 on 7 July, 2018, is now examining the possibility to add other substances (PMK glycidate, PMK glycidic acid, APAA, BMK ethylene glycol, BMK ethyl-glycidate, BMK glycidic acid, MAPA and Red Phosphorus ) into the same Category 1; at the same tme, it requested the member states to pay more atenton to all substances with unknown licit usage and, fnally, raised questons about the adequacy and efectveness of the present control system based on tables and categories, setng up a specifc control group to examine possible alternatves. “Europe is confronted with a rapidly evolving drug market. The increased potency and purity of illicit drugs, the record numbers of seizures and increased producton in the EU, all indicate that the availability of illicit substances is growing. We also see a dramatc increase in the number of new, and ofen highly potent, synthetc substances present on the market.”. These are the opening words of the EU Drug Markets Report 2019, published by EMCDDA (European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addicton). Therefore we cannot ignore that preventng the diversion of the drug precursors can be efectve and efcient to curb the supply of illicit drugs and plays, then, an important role in the worldwide strategy for the fght against drug trafcking.

ACTIVITIES OF THE OFFICE FOR GENERAL COORDINATION AND PLANNING

Introduction The Office for General Coordination and Planning has the major task to ensure contacts between the Direzione Centrale per i Servizi Antidroga and the other offices of the Department of Public Security of the Ministry of the Interior for the elaboration of strategic planning documents and of activities reporting.

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This office maintains close links with the other public and private bodies involved in the fight against drugs and in demand reduction.

Planning and strategic control The functions assigned to the Office for General Coordination and Planning envisage strategic and management planning, for the purposes of the Minister’s Annual Directive, implementing the legislation under the Legislative Decree of 27 October, 2009, No.150. In this context, also in 2019, this Office played a coordination role within the DCSA, aimed at monitoring the activities carried out by the different DCSA sections, contributing for its part, to the Report presented by the Minister to the Parliament on the expenditure, effectiveness in resource allocation and administrative activity, as foreseen by Art. 3, subsect. 68, of Law No. 244 of 24 December, 2007. The Office for General Coordination and Planning, after gathering all information provided by the other DCSA services and sections, provides the competent offices of the Department of Public Security with all data regarding organizational and procedural issues to be published in the Triennial Programme for Transparency and Integrity, following the guidelines elaborated by the Commission for Evaluation, Transparency and Integrity of Public Administration, issued by the Independent Evaluation Body.

Prevention initiatives Among its institutional duties, the Office for General Coordination and Planning also collaborates with the DCSA Director in order to “elaborate programmes and projects on the fight against drugs and the prevention of drug addiction” and is competent for the “management of projects”. Over the years, the Office has also elaborated measures aimed at implementing a form of “integrated” or “shared” prevention so to enhance synergies between the different law enforcement agencies, the Organizations and the various Institutions involved in the fight against the drug spreading and the negative impact on the young people. On the basis of its successful past experiences, in 2019 this Office continued its study and implementation of projects, also employing law enforcement agencies which can give their effective contribution on the drug prevention side. Within this initiative, meetings are organized at schools, upon request, by DCSA qualified personnel, with the collaboration of other experts. Such meetings are aimed at informing the students on the most common types of drugs and on the risks and effects of drug abuse on the human body and psyche. In 2019 only, the above mentioned Office organized in Rome and its surroundings, 27 teaching/ information meetings, thus reaching an overall audience of approximately 1,500 students aged 12 to 16 years. These sessions gained the favourable consent of students and families, also improving the police

115 officer image in young people, going beyond the solely repressive aspect of its institutional activity, thinking of him/her as a resource to consult in case of distress or discomfort. Such meetings highlighted two main questions that were answered by the same students and that are, in our opinion, important to understand how young and very young people approach the drug issue. In particular, the students were encouraged to answer to the following: - what makes us interested in drug use? - what makes us lose interest in drug use, allowing us to live in a healthy way? With regard to the first question, many young people ascribed to “depression” (meant like suffering, grief caused by the loss of a beloved person, sense of abandonment and incomprehension, etc.) one of the main reasons for drug use. Another common idea among young people is that assuming drugs makes you feel “cool”, strong, important, or makes you be accepted in a group of peers or even older people. As to the second question, most young people indicated family, meant like support, guidance, with compassionate and, if necessary, strict parents, but with whom they can talk about their difficulties. Among other reasons provided, their interest in sports, music, the pursuit of their passions as well as the awareness and the fear for legal, social and health consequences. An in-depth analysis of the answers provided by the students during this information/prevention course, identified macro-areas gathering the collected data, which could provide further suggestions for research on prevention and fight against drugs in school-aged youth.

Inter-institutional cooperation Further prevention initiatives on drug abuse, in favour of school students, are envisaged within the Protocol of Understanding between the Dipartimento Politiche Antidroga/DPA (Department of Anti-Drug Policies) and the DCSA, signed on 14 November, 2018, and in the relevant three-year executive plan (ICARUS). Furthermore, the Direzione Centrale per i Servizi Antidroga was invited by the Dipartimento Politiche Antidroga of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers to provide its contribution in the framework of the three-year educational project, pertaining to the Protocol of Understanding between the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Education, University and Scientific Research in the field of prevention of drug and alcohol use in school-age population, signed on 7 August, 2017. The Office for General Coordination and Planning provided its contribution to the “Steering, Implementing and Monitoring Committee” of the above mentioned Protocol of Understanding, relating to the training course for teachers-points of reference, called “CUORA il Futuro” (CUORA the future). In particular, the teachers-points of reference identified throughout Italy, for school of all levels were trained by DCSA personnel about antidrug legislation in force and the procedures to carry out in case drugs are found and /or pushed inside and/or close to schools, in particular:

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- explanation of the provisions of the law No. 309/1990; - measures to fight against drug pushing inside or close to schools; - intervention methods by the law enforcement units; - narcotic drugs and the phenomenon of drug trafficking. During their training/teaching course, the teachers/points of reference were provided with audio- visual material, presentations and slides drawn up by DCSA experts and at the end of the training they had to take a test to verify what they had learnt. In such a context, the above mentioned Office also carried out mentoring activity to support participants during the on-line training.

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drawn up by: Direzione Centrale per i Servizi Antdroga Via Torre di Mezzavia, 9/121 00173 Roma Tel. 0646523000 [email protected] antdroga.interno.gov.it