ROME -- Four of Rome's Carabinieri have been arrested for the illicit selling of drugs confiscated during clean-up operations, police sources say. The four policemen were from the capital's anti-drug investigative team, and were arrested by their own colleagues on Wednesday after they were discovered to have allegedly been involved in the commercialisation of illegal substances sequestered in the course of their work operations.

 The four Carabinieri were found to have ignored and even permitted drug dealers to continue their illicit activity without punishment, in exchange for information. And not only. Drugs confiscated during raids often passed through the police offices, to then be returned to the market at a better price.

 The accused policemen, Antonio De Cristofare, Massimiliano Marrone, Bruno Sepe and Claudio Saltarelli, were dismissed from the Via Selci anti-drug unit one month ago and transferred to non-operative offices.

 Following the recent investigations a further five people were arrested upon suspicion of having collaborated with the policemen. The nine are together held responsible for crimes linked to the illicit trafficking of illegal substances and the misappropriation of funds.

 In the course of the enquiries the policemen's homes were searched, and several cutting materials were confiscated. The case emerged after a big push within the Carabinieri force towards verifying the involvement of anti-drug police in the management of confiscated substances.

 Michele Prestipino, assistant prosecutor to the case, expressed gratitude to the policemen who carried out the arrests "for their professionalism in the execution of such delicate enquiries."

 The development is instrumental in the uncovering of drug dealers within the Carabinieri's own ranks and the unmasking their informers. It comes only a day after Rome Carabinieri arrested three people for drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms and recycling of vehicles. During the operation a total of nine kilograms of marijuana was confiscated, along with a 22-calibre pistol, various pieces of ammunition, two cars and several false documents, the value of which amounted to around 300,000 euros.

 One can only wonder into whose hands such objects and funds will fall.

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