Financial Guard officers from the Ponza station have located and seized approximately one kilogram of cocaine cunningly hidden in waters off the island.
The narcotics, pre-packaged into 15 bricks, were discovered inside a waterproof bag submerged near a mooring area. The package was deliberately weighed down using mechanic’s wrenches and a hammer, likely to partially submerge it for later retrieval. Authorities believe traffickers adopted this concealment method in response to intensified police and Financial Guard patrols, including K-9 units from Formia. These patrols led to seven individuals (aged 17-35) being reported to local prefectures over the past weekend for personal drug possession. One suspect was also referred to the Cassino prosecutor’s office for alleged drug dealing, resulting in the seizure of over 40 grams of cocaine, hashish, and marijuana.
Initial estimates indicate the seized cocaine could have yielded roughly 5,000 street doses. With a retail value between €80 and €100 per dose, the haul represents an estimated €400,000 to €500,000 in potential illicit profits. The drugs are now held as evidence by judicial authorities as the investigation continues. Investigators suspect the package was abandoned at sea by a courier, intended for later recovery to supply the local drug market, which sees heightened activity during the summer tourist season.