Italian police divers have successfully located and seized more than $500,000 worth of hashish concealed within a sea cave on the island of Ponza. Known as a frequent vacation destination for high-profile figures and the wealthy, the island authorities reported the recovery of 330 blocks of the illicit substance, totaling 40 kilograms (88 pounds), from a location that is reachable exclusively by water.
Law enforcement officials on the island, which is widely recognized for its dramatic cliffside scenery, informed CNN on Wednesday that they had been monitoring the entrance of the cave situated in the Chiaia di Luna region. Investigators suspect that the stash, with an estimated street value exceeding half a million dollars, was intended to be distributed during the upcoming summer tourist period, which kicks off this weekend with a three-day holiday.
Official footage released by the authorities illustrated the challenging nature of the operation, showing police divers accessing the cramped cave directly from a boat. The recovery mission involved a collaboration between the 4th Naval Unit Squad of the Gaeta Naval Operations and the local Ponza detachment of the Guardia di Finanza financial police. The financial police stated that the discovery was made possible by specialized divers who navigated through a tunnel to reach the interior of the cave.
In a formal statement released on Tuesday, the agency noted that their investigative efforts, which utilized intelligence, territorial surveillance, and the observation of suspicious movements, resulted in the identification of a significant volume of narcotics meant to supply the illicit market for the summer. They described the mission as a notable success that highlights the training and capabilities of personnel tasked with operating in complex and difficult-to-reach environments. Police believe the drugs were transported to the island via a dinghy departing from Anzio on the mainland.
Ponza Mayor Francesco Ambrosino explained to local media that his administration is maintaining a vigilant watch over drug trafficking on the island, which covers just three square miles. With the season beginning, the island expects around 15,000 visitors for the upcoming Saints Peter and Paul weekend, significantly outnumbering the 3,000 permanent residents. Ambrosino remarked that while such high numbers make drug dealing a potential concern, the successful seizure confirms that law enforcement is attentive. He noted that the limited number of police officers—only five on the island—often leaves them focused on traffic control for arriving ferries, which can make the area attractive to those looking to party.
Ponza serves as the largest island in the Pontine archipelago, positioned offshore between Rome and Naples. It has long been a destination for celebrities, including Naomi Campbell, Beyoncé, and the late fashion designer Giorgio Armani. Beyond its tourism, the island has a history of exile; it was the site where fascist dictator Benito Mussolini was detained for 10 days in July 1943 after being ousted from power.
