Bologna police arrested a 43-year-old man on November 7, 2026, after he was caught operating a mobile drug distribution network from a van. The man, a Tunisian national, allegedly distributed hashish and cocaine across the city using the vehicle as a mobile base, leading to his arrest on drug trafficking charges.
Investigation Led to Van Stop
The investigation began with reports of drug sales near a home on Via di Saliceto in the Bolognina district. Police from the mobile squad unit conducted surveillance and tracked the suspect, who was apprehended inside his van. Authorities seized 539 grams of narcotics and 2,000 euros in cash during the operation. The van contained 518 grams of hashish and 21 grams of cocaine, along with cash from sales, according to the police report.
Van Equipped for Drug Sales
The suspect had converted the van into a “supermarket of drugs,” police said. Inside, they found pre-packaged doses of cocaine, precision scales, hashish packaging, and an electric stun gun. The vehicle also contained a baseball bat. The suspect used the mobile setup to prepare and sell drugs while moving to different areas of the city, meeting customers in exchange for money. Police documented several drug exchanges before intervening to make the arrest.
Hidden Compartment and Cash Found at Home
A subsequent search of the suspect’s home, with the assistance of a police K-9 unit, revealed a hidden compartment in a kitchen wall. The cavity contained additional packages of hashish and cocaine, as well as materials used for packaging doses. Police also found 2,000 euros in cash hidden in the bedroom.
Suspect Faces Drug Trafficking Charges
The 43-year-old, who has prior police records and a previous conviction for drug-related offenses, was arrested for possession of drugs for sale. He was also reported to authorities in a state of freedom for the unjustified carrying of an object capable of offending. The seized narcotics and cash have been taken into evidence as part of the ongoing investigation into his drug distribution activities.
Keep reading
