“White Gold” trial, sentence postponed due to the change of defenders

Another postponement for the “Oro Bianco” trial, the anti-drug operation which in 2019 defeated drug trafficking between Lazio and Sicily, and in particular in the Trapani area. The sentence, initially scheduled for March 20th, was postponed to April 30th by Section IV of the Court of Appeal of Palermo.

The postponement is due to the change of defenders by two of the accused: Gioacchino Guida from Partinico, sentenced in first instance to 17 years, 9 months and 10 days, and Antonino Vilardi from Alcamo, sentenced to 8 years.

For the other seven defendants who chose the abbreviated procedure, the Court of Appeal confirmed the sentences imposed at first instance by the Gup of the Court of Palermo. The heaviest sentence, 17 years and 9 months, was given to Giuseppe Di Giovanni, believed to be the head of the organization.

Others convicted include Nicolò Rocca (2 years and 8 months), Francesco Camarda (4 years and a fine of 17 thousand euros), Vincenzo Savallo (2 years and a fine of 10 thousand euros) and Noemi Maria Fiume (6 months and 20 days imprisonment and a fine of 1,000 euros). Nicola Roia’s lawyer requested the reform of the first degree sentence for his client, who was acquitted of the crime of association.

The trial of 12 defendants in the same operation who have chosen the ordinary trial is underway at the Court of Trapani. The start of the process was slowed down by the large amount of interceptions to be transcribed.

The “Oro Bianco” operation, conducted by the Alcamo Police led by Commissioner Ignacio Cenci, made it possible to break up an important drug trafficking operation that supplied Sicily, in particular the Trapani area, with cocaine from Lazio.