62-year-old man from Messina arrested after drug found in jars of preserves.

Last Updated: September 17, 2023

The Carabinieri of the Messina Gazzi station have arrested a 62-year-old man, already known to the police, for possession with intent to distribute drugs. For several days, the officers had been monitoring the movements of the man who had been spotted in places known to be frequented by drug users. Specific observation and surveillance services were set up, which allowed them to gather useful investigative elements suggesting that the man might have drugs in his home. Yesterday afternoon, the officers conducted a search of the man’s residence. During the search, they found and seized over 300 grams of marijuana hidden among the food stored in the kitchen pantry, in four glass jars typically used for food preservation. They also discovered a precision scale and a sum of money believed to be proceeds from illegal activities. The precision scale, money, and drugs were seized. Based on technical laboratory analysis conducted by the Carabinieri’s RIS unit in Messina, it was estimated that the seized marijuana could have produced over 500 doses for sale on the streets of Messina. The 62-year-old man was arrested and, after the necessary formalities, placed under house arrest pending a court hearing.