Police Raid Uncovers Criminal Network in Castellanza
A House Filled with Stolen Goods, Drugs, and Suspects
Early on Monday, December 2nd, agents from the Legnano police station carried out a daring raid on a house in Castellanza, uncovering a multi-faceted criminal operation. The raid, conducted after receiving reports of suspicious activity at the property, led to the arrest of several individuals involved in illegal activities.
The operators employed an unconventional tactic, disguising themselves as sanitation workers to gain access to the property. Inside, eight non-EU citizens were found sleeping on mattresses, apparently used as makeshift beds. The homeowner, an Italian national already under investigation for aiding and abetting illegal immigration, was also present.
The house, it turned out, was more than Just a makeshift dormitory.
A Hub for Criminal Activity
The police quickly realized that the house was being used as a storage facility for ill-gotten goods – the results of recent thefts in the surrounding areas.
Adding to the complexity, the property also functioned as a distribution point for illegal narcotics.
When faced with the surprise raid, the arrests did not come without resistance. Two individuals, a 27-year-old Tunisian national and a 32-year-old with both Moroccan and Italian citizenship, lashed out violently at the police. One even attempted to attack an officer with a knife hidden under a pillow. Both men were swiftly apprehended and subsequently arrested for possession of illegal substances with intent to sell and for violently resisting arrest. The man who wielded the knife faced additional charges of aggravated assault.
More Arrests and Several Minors Involved
The basement of the house held yet more surprises. A 27-year-old Tunisian national subject to an arrest warrant was found. He was taken into custody and transported to Busto Arsizio prison.
Authorities also discovered two minors, both Tunisian nationals. One, aged 17, was taken to the Beccaria Juvenile Prison, as he was subject to a court order mandating his imprisonment. He had previously been placed in an educational community in the province of Brescia. The second minor, also 17 years old, was returned to a first reception center in Lecco from where he had been reported missing earlier in the year.
The investigation also led to the identification of two other Tunisian citizens aged 21 and 19 who were taken to the Immigration Office of the Police Headquarters.
Stolen Goods Point to a Wider Network
During the raid, acting on a unique aspect of stolen goods found at the location – six bicycles, some of considerable value – along with several laptops, smartphones and identity documents, investigators believe they’ve uncovered a deeper criminal network. They are now attempting to verify the origin of the retrieved items. It seems at least one smartphone stolen from Legnano could be linked to the network, and authorities are appealing for its owner coming forward to press charges against the thieves.
The police operation sheds light on a wider network of criminal activity operating in the region.
The investigation into the stolen and illegal goods found within the house is ongoing.
What types of stolen goods were found at the property?
## Breaking News: Local Raid Uncovers Multi-Faceted Criminal Operation
**[INTRO MUSIC]**
**HOST:** Welcome back. We’re turning now to a story developing in Castellanza, where police uncovered a shocking criminal operation earlier this week.
I’m joined now by Detective Marco Rossi from the Legnano police station, who led the raid. Detective Rossi, thanks for joining us today.
**DET. ROSSI:** Good evening.
**HOST:** Can you tell us about the raid itself?
**DET. ROSSI:** Of course. On Monday morning, our officers conducted a raid on a house in Castellanza following reports of suspicious activity. We used a tactical approach, disguising ourselves as sanitation workers to gain entry. Inside, we discovered eight individuals, all non-EU citizens, sleeping in makeshift beds.
**HOST:** That sounds quite brazen. What else did you find at the property?
**DET. ROSSI:** The house was much more than a simple dormitory. We uncovered a large stash of stolen goods, including electronics and jewelry, which we suspect were taken during recent thefts in the area.
**HOST:** Was this simply a storage facility for stolen goods?
**DET. ROSSI:** Not at all. We also discovered evidence that the house was being used as a distribution point for illegal narcotics.
**HOST:** And I understand the arrests weren’t without incident?
**DET. ROSSI:** That’s correct. Two individuals, a Tunisian national and a man with both Moroccan and Italian citizenship, resisted arrest and became violent. One even tried to attack an officer with a knife concealed under a pillow. Thankfully, both were quickly apprehended.
**HOST:** This is a very serious operation, Detective. What message does this send to the community?
**DET. ROSSI:**
We want to assure the public that we are committed to combating all forms of criminal activity. Those who seek to exploit our community and endanger our citizens will be brought to justice. We encourage anyone with information about criminal activity to contact the police immediately.
**HOST:** Thank you for your time, Detective Rossi. We will continue to follow this story as it develops.
**[OUTRO MUSIC]**
