Italian authorities have seized around 40 kilograms of hashish worth an estimated Rs 5 crore after divers uncovered a hidden drug stash inside a secret sea cave on the popular holiday island of Ponza. The operation took place ahead of the busy summer tourist season, when the Mediterranean island attracts celebrities, wealthy visitors and thousands of holidaymakers. Investigators believe the drugs were stored to supply the illicit market during the peak vacation period.
According to investigators, the narcotics were concealed inside a small cave in the Chiaia di Luna area that could only be accessed by water. Police divers navigated through a narrow underwater tunnel from a boat before reaching the hidden chamber, where they recovered 330 blocks of hashish weighing a total of 40 kilograms. Authorities described the operation as particularly challenging because of the difficult underwater access to the cave.
The operation was carried out jointly by the 4th Naval Unit Squad of the Gaeta Naval Operations and the Ponza branch of Italy's Guardia di Finanza financial police. Officials said intelligence gathering, surveillance and monitoring of suspicious activity around the cave's entrance helped investigators identify the location. Police believe the drugs had been hidden shortly before a major three-day holiday weekend in preparation for increased demand during the summer tourism season.
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Authorities estimate the seized hashish has a street value of more than US$500,000, equivalent to approximately Rs 5 crore. Investigators suspect the narcotics were transported by dinghy from the mainland town of Anzio before being concealed inside the remote cave. No arrests have been announced so far, and the investigation is continuing to identify those responsible for the smuggling operation and the intended distribution network.
In a statement, the Guardia di Finanza said the seizure demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led investigations and the specialised training of officers capable of operating in difficult and inaccessible environments. Officials added that the operation disrupted what they believe was a significant supply of drugs intended for illegal sale during one of the busiest periods of the year on the island.
Ponza, located off Italy's western coast, is one of the country's most popular summer destinations and is frequently visited by celebrities and affluent tourists. Authorities routinely increase security and anti-smuggling operations during the tourist season as visitor numbers rise. The latest seizure highlights ongoing efforts by Italian law enforcement to combat organised drug trafficking along the country's coastline and prevent narcotics from reaching popular holiday destinations.
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