US DEA says Rome-seized 100k cocaine shipment transited Venezuela to Europe

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela's Electronic News Posted: Thursday, June 05, 2003 By: David Coleman

US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents say over 100k of cocaine transported by Colombian and Italian nationals has been seized at Rome's Fiumicino airport as it arrived from Caracas destined for drug markets in Italy and in Spain ... it was the second major seizure at Fiumicino airport after an Italian national was arrested in January with 24k cocaine.

An ongoing investigation of the drug traffickers led to the additional arrest of four Italian nationals with more arrests expected shortly, according to the DEA which is conducting the investigation in liaison with the DEA's Caracas office and Venezuelan anti-narcotics police.

In its 2002 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, the US State Department, said that cocaine destined for Italian and other European consumption originates with Colombian and Mexican criminal groups. Heroin and cocaine are smuggled into Italy via boat and overland via truck and privately-owned vehicle. In smaller quantities, the drugs are transported via (primarily Nigerian and Colombian) couriers or air express parcels.

The report says that Colombian FARC, ELN and AUC terrorist group control much of Colombia's narcotics production and distribution, reaping enormous profits ... the United States remains committed to supporting the Colombian government's unified campaign against drug trafficking and designated foreign terrorist organizations.

Meanwhile the US State Department reports several major drug busts in Italy in 2002 that had South American connections. In February, 279k of cocaine packaged in a containerized shipment were seized at the port of Naples, while in April, 25k of cocaine were seized by Italian customs agents. The cocaine arrived in Italy via two pieces of luggage from Caracas via France.

Fishing vessels transport large quantities of narcotics from Colombia to Mexico and other countries, with the final destination being the United States and Europe, the report said, adding that the vessels are often loaded and off-loaded at sea by "go-fast" boats operating from secluded coastal areas. Fishing vessels are considered well-suited for smuggling operations, as they have the ability to remain at sea for long periods, transit vast distances, draw minimal attention, and hide among legitimate fishing boats.