Italian authorities in Bologna arrested a 43-year-old Tunisian citizen after officers discovered a mobile drug-dealing operation operated out of a commercial van, Il Resto del Carlino reported on November 7, 2026.
Investigators seized more than 500 grams of narcotics, over 2,000 euros in cash, a baseball bat, and a stun gun during the multi-phase operation.
The investigation began after local residents submitted numerous tips regarding suspicious activity at an apartment on via di Saliceto in the Bolognina neighborhood, located within the Navile district. Squadra mobile investigators placed the residence under surveillance, noting that the primary suspect frequently departed the location to travel across different areas of the city inside a delivery van.
During targeted stakeouts, police officers observed the suspect conducting hand-to-hand drug transactions from the driver’s seat of his vehicle in exchange for cash. Authorities intercepted the 43-year-old on the road in early November 2026, conducting an immediate search of the transport vehicle.
Inside the van, officers recovered 12 pre-packaged doses of cocaine ready for street distribution, a mobile phone, and 60 euros in cash. The search also revealed a baseball bat and an electrical stun gun stored inside the cabin alongside the narcotics.
Following the vehicle stop, investigators expanded their operation to the residential property on via di Saliceto with assistance from the police canine unit. A search of the kitchen entryway revealed a hidden compartment containing packaging materials, alongside additional quantities of cocaine and hashish. Officers located another 2,000 euros in cash inside the bedroom.
According to Il Resto del Carlino, the final inventory from both the van and the apartment totaled 518 grams of hashish, approximately 21 grams of cocaine, and 2,060 euros in cash. Il Resto del Carlino reported the total seized narcotics slightly higher at 539 grams, noting the suspect operated as an itinerant dealer distributing substances across Bologna.
The suspect, who already carries a criminal record and previous convictions, was formally arrested on charges of drug detention and trafficking. Police also filed additional complaints against the 43-year-old for the unjustified carrying of offensive weapons due to the recovery of the baseball bat and stun gun.
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