TO Cataniaa banal mechanical failure led to the arrest of a 59-year-old man for possession for the purpose of dealing drugs.
The incident occurred when a police patrol from the Borgo Ognina police station, passing through via Ingegnere near the intersection with via Passo Gravina, noticed the man in difficulty with his scooter.
The police stopped to offer assistance, but the man’s nervous attitude and his insistence that the officers leave without helping him raised suspicions. After requesting the documents, the officers asked to inspect the compartment under the scooter’s seat, but the man refused, thus increasing their suspicions.
Despite the refusal, the police proceeded with the check, discovering 18 sachets of marijuana hidden inside the compartment. In a desperate attempt to escape, the 59-year-old threw the scooter towards the police and attempted to escape on foot along Via Passo Gravina, among the cars in the queue. His escape was short: the officers chased him and captured him in Via Etnea, where he had taken refuge in the garage of an apartment building.
The search was also extended to his home, where a further 7 sachets of marijuana were found together with packaging material, such as cellophane sachets, a precision scale, tweezers and scissors. The man, who has several criminal records, including crimes against property, against people and for drug dealing, was arrested. The scooter, without insurance coverage, was also seized.
Implications for security and the fight against drugs
This arrest highlights the effectiveness of police vigilance and the importance of random inspections, which can lead to the discovery of illicit activities and prevent further crimes. Furthermore, it highlights the continuous efforts of law enforcement in combating drug trafficking in Catania, strengthening the safety and protection of the community.
The event also renewed focus on the need to regularly maintain and inspect vehicles to ensure they are not used as vehicles for criminal activity. The community of Catania can feel a little safer knowing that the police are always alert and ready to intervene in any suspicious situation.
