An important operation by the Italian Financial Police has uncovered a network of illegal cultivation in the territory of Lake Garda. Three agricultural companies formally engaged in the cultivation of hemp were involved, but they were actually producing narcotics.
The investigation, coordinated by the District Attorney’s Office and conducted by the Economic-Financial Police Unit in Brescia in collaboration with the Central Service for the Investigation of Organized Crime, led to the issuance of eight precautionary measures against those responsible for the illicit activities. These individuals, all residents of the province of Brescia, are accused of cultivation, production, and trafficking of drugs.
Analysis of the seized substances:
The investigations revealed that the involved companies were engaged in the “open-air” cultivation of marijuana with high levels of THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), a psychoactive compound. Chemical analyses confirmed that the collected plant material was intended not only for direct consumption but also for further mechanical and chemical processing to extract oils with high concentrations of THC, hashish, and Bhutan Hash Oil (BHO).
Discovery of new narcotics:
During the investigations, a new narcotic substance called HHC (hexahydrocannabinol) was also seized. It is characterized by a high psychoactive effect and has been subsequently included by the Ministry of Health in the list of prohibited substances provided for by Legislative Decree no. 309/1990.
Seizures and searches:
In total, the operation led to the seizure of over 2.3 tons of dried marijuana ready for processing and commercialization, along with 4 kg of hashish and 0.5 kg of HHC. Machinery and tools used for drug refinement were also confiscated.
The searches are still ongoing and are supported by the Central Service for the Investigation of Organized Crime, using advanced modern technology and specialized “cash dog” units trained to search for both cash and narcotics.
The measures issued are based on the evidence collected so far by the investigative authorities and are subject to further judicial developments.
Italian Version
