Cocaine trafficking in Rimini: 15 arrested, assets worth over €16 million seized
The investigation has identified 35 suspects. According to investigators, two organizations managed drug trafficking and the reinvestment of profits
The cocaine arrived hidden in false bottoms of cars and in the hull of a cargo ship. Part of it was even found in a home refrigerator. Italy’s Guardia di Finanza (Financial Police) in Rimini carried out 15 arrests, with suspects placed in pre-trial detention, and seized assets worth over €16 million, as part of an investigation coordinated by the Anti-Mafia District Directorate (Direzione distrettuale antimafia) of Bologna.
Thirty-five people are under investigation, facing different charges and roles. Investigators have reconstructed the alleged activities of two organizations: one is believed to have purchased and distributed cocaine through drug-dealing networks in Rimini and neighboring provinces, while the other allegedly reinvested and laundered the proceeds from drug sales.
The trafficking network reconstructed by investigators moved more than 54 kilograms of cocaine over the course of a year. A widespread network across the province is believed to have supported the sales. To move around and maintain contact, suspects allegedly used fake documents, encrypted phones and numerous cars fitted with false compartments, making it more difficult to track their movements.
During the investigation, between January and August 2025, financial police had already seized 13 kilograms of cocaine and arrested three people in the act. The seizures took place during three separate operations: two kilograms found in a hidden compartment inside a car, seven kilograms in a home refrigerator, and four kilograms in the hull of a cargo ship docked at the port of Ravenna.
Investigations then focused on assets linked to members of the alleged organization, in order to trace the flow of profits and identify accumulated wealth. Six suspects also face charges of participating in a criminal association aimed at committing crimes including usury, fraudulent transfer of assets, receiving stolen goods, money laundering and unauthorized financial activity. Not all charges apply to all those involved.
The seizure affected 23 properties, two plots of land, nine cars and three motorcycles, along with watches, collectible coins and €321,000 in cash. The total value of the seized assets exceeds €16 million, now frozen pending possible confiscation.
The operation involved, alongside the Rimini financial police, provincial commands from Bologna, Foggia, Forlì-Cesena, L’Aquila, Ravenna and Verona. Also taking part were the Central Service for Organized Crime Investigation (Servizio centrale investigazione criminalità organizzata) and the Organized Crime Investigation Group (Gruppo investigazione criminalità organizzata) of Bologna, under the coordination of the Central Directorate for Anti-Drug Services.
The investigation is still in its preliminary stages. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty, and their responsibility will need to be established through a final court ruling.
