Italy: Drug precursors from China worth 630 million euros seized
Against an Italian entrepreneur from Milan, an investigation procedure had been initiated, it was further stated. In addition, two Chinese citizens had been arrested in the Netherlands as part of joint cross-border investigations supported by the European Justice Authority Eurojust.
The investigators seized "Goods from China," which reportedly contained a total of approximately 6.4 tons of substances for the production of synthetic drugs. From these, "more than 63 million MDMA pills were allegedly produced," they declared.
The seizure reportedly took place at Malpensa Airport in northern Italian Milan during a check of goods that had been declared to the customs as "Polyester-powder coating." In reality, however, the goods contained "white powder particles and yellow flakes" that did not comply with the regulations. A laboratory analysis revealed that the powder was PMK, a chemical substance used for Ecstasy, which is normally used by perfume manufacturers - but also for drug production.
The substances were supposedly to be transported to the Netherlands via a company with headquarters in Milan and warehouses in Varese in the northern Italian region of Lombardy. The Dutch police identified a storage facility where dozens of kilograms of PMK, Ketamine, Methylamine, and Hashish had already been secured.
- The investigation against the Italian entrepreneur from Milan was linked to drug precursors like PMK, which were seized in the Netherlands.
- The seized substances in the Netherlands are believed to have originated from China, with a total estimated value of over a million Euros.
- It's reported that the Italian company involved in the investigation had warehouses in Varese, where Ecstasy precursor PMK, Ketamine, Methylamine, and Hashish were found.
- The arrested Chinese citizens in the Netherlands are thought to have played a role in the transportation of drug precursors from China to Italy, contributing to the production of illegal substances like Ecstasy.
- The Italian authorities have been collaborating with the Dutch police in the investigation, aiming to dismantle the illegal network that has been exploiting the Euro currency for drug trafficking.
- The Milan-based entrepreneur is under scrutiny for his involvement in the drug trade, with allegations that he was using the Euro to facilitate the transportation of drug precursors from Italy to the Netherlands.
