BOLZANO. In recent days a crew of the “Flying” Squad of the State Police, during the usual general prevention and control service of the territory, while they were passing near the railway station, more precisely in via Perathoner, near the bus stop The bus noticed two foreign citizens in a suspicious attitude.
Specifically, the agents noted that one of the two subjects had slipped a wrapper into the other individual’s jacketreceiving a banknote in exchange.
At that point, the police decided to intervene, blocking both of them and then accompanying them to the police station, where they were subjected to a personal search.
Against one of the two – later identified as MZ, a 46-year-old Pakistani citizen with legal status in the national territory and with a history of detention for the purpose of dealing drugs – the search gave a positive result, as it was found in his jacket pocket and seized a hashish wrapper weighing approximately 15 gramswho reported having purchased from the other arrested subject.
On the latter – identified by this HR, a 43-year-old Moroccan citizen resident in Val Pusteria with numerous criminal records against him, in particular for crimes against the person and for possession for the purpose of dealing narcotic substances - in his trouser pocket, the policemen they found and seized another container containing about 40 grams of hashishcompletely similar to the one given a few minutes earlier to the other one stopped. The sum of 60 euros was also seized from him, believed to be proceeds from dealing in another substance.
At the end of the judicial police proceedings, the pusher was reported to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for drug dealing, while the buyer was administratively reported as a drug user.
The police commissioner of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano Paolo Sartori, in consideration of what emerged regarding the two foreign citizens, issued expulsion decrees from the national territory against both of them.
“Drug dealing represents a particularly serious crime not only for the effects it produces in itself on those who consume drugs, but also for the context in which it finds fertile ground for its diffusion and for the criminal activities it generates, in terms of degradation, petty crime and consequences on public order and safety – underlined Commissioner Sartori –. For this reason, preventing and combating its spread represents one of the priorities for the State Police, committed daily to guaranteeing the safety of citizens”.
What role does immediate police intervention play in preventing drug-related crimes?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Drug Policy Expert
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and welcome to our discussion on a recent incident involving drug dealing near Bolzano’s railway station. We are fortunate to have Dr. Elena Romano, a well-respected expert in drug policy and law enforcement strategies. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Romano.
Dr. Elena Romano: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Recent reports detail a situation where police encountered two individuals in a suspicious manner, which ultimately led to the discovery of drugs. Based on your expertise, what are the typical signs that law enforcement looks for in scenarios like this?
Dr. Romano: Law enforcement often focuses on behavioral cues—like suspicious exchanges that don’t fit the usual patterns of social interaction, observing persons acting furtively, or seeming overly alert to their surroundings. In this case, the act of one individual slipping a wrapper into another’s jacket is a classic red flag. These dealers often operate in public spaces to avoid detection, but their demeanor can betray them.
Editor: Interesting. It seems the quick intervention by the Flying Squad police was crucial in this case. How important is immediate law enforcement action in preventing drug-related crimes?
Dr. Romano: It’s critical. Immediate intervention can disrupt drug transactions before they escalate into more significant criminal activities or even violence. Rapid police response also sends a message to the community that law enforcement is vigilant and proactive in tackling drug issues, thereby potentially deterring future crime.
Editor: In this instance, one individual was found with 15 grams of hashish and the other with about 40 grams. How significant are these quantities in the broader context of drug dealing?
Dr. Romano: While the quantities may seem relatively small, they can still have severe implications. For an individual buyer, 15 grams might be for personal use, but the 40 grams found on the dealer indicates possession for distribution. It’s essential to look at these quantities in context—hashish is a highly sought-after product in many areas, and possession can lead to both personal legal repercussions and larger enforcement actions against drug trafficking networks.
Editor: You mentioned the importance of context. The police reported that one of the individuals had previous felony charges related to drugs. How does a person’s history impact ongoing law enforcement efforts?
Dr. Romano: A person’s criminal history, especially regarding substance offenses, can make them a target for future enforcement. Recidivism rates in drug-related crimes are high, and repeat offenders often find themselves in a cycle of buying, dealing, and getting caught. This history provides law enforcement with valuable intelligence when assessing threats to community safety, as these individuals might be part of broader networks.
Editor: there’s often a debate about how best to handle drug offenders, especially those who are users rather than dealers. What approaches do you advocate for when it comes to policy concerning drug use and trafficking?
Dr. Romano: I believe we need a balanced approach. While law enforcement is essential for combating drug trafficking and ensuring public safety, we must also invest in prevention, education, and rehabilitation programs for users. Treating substance use as a public health issue, rather than purely a criminal one, can lead to better outcomes for both individuals and communities. This means providing support services rather than just punishment for those caught in the cycle of addiction.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Romano, for your insights. It’s clear that addressing drug issues requires multifaceted strategies that combine enforcement, prevention, and rehabilitation. We appreciate your time and expertise on this critical topic.
Dr. Romano: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important issues!