Thirty three people who allegedly smuggled drugs into a jail stashed in fancy ham have been arrested.
The substances, mostly cocaine and cannabis, were ordered over the phone by prison ringleaders from their cells.
Family members and ex-convict pals then acquired the drugs by using prepaid cards.
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The narcotics and other substances were wrapped in hygiene products and vacuum-packed foodstuffs including cured meats, to be smuggled in.
They were then sold inside the prison, by the ringleaders, sometimes for double the street price.
The authorities suspect the substances were being smuggled into Velletri Prison, near Rome, Italy, for at least six months.
The turnover is estimated to be £68,145 (EUR 80,000).
Due to the number of different people involved in the alleged ring, it has proved difficult for the authorities to establish the main players involved.
Investigators have also had trouble following the money trail as most transactions were carried out on prepaid cards in the name of third parties.
As a result of their inquiries to date, the police arrested 33 people, including five women, on Tuesday (21 May) morning.
Under the order of the investigating judge of the Court of Velletri, the arrests were made in several provinces, including Rome and Chieti.
Eleven detainees were placed in a preventive prison and the others are under house arrest.
Sixteen suspects are already in prison, as reported by Need To Know.
The investigation continues.
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