Unpacking drug trafficking phenomenon through seaports : lessons from the Italian ports

This article aims to provide an analysis of the factors influencing the operational strategies of drug trafficking organisations in the context of seaports. It seeks to move beyond a monolithic representation of this complex phenomenon by investigating the intricate interplay between legal and illicit spheres, as well as the diverse methodologies employed in the illicit transportation of drugs from vessels to destinations outside of ports. Drawing from empirical evidence gathered in the Italian context, the results reveal that drug trafficking through seaports is a multifaceted endeavour influenced by a combination of endogenous and exogenous factors. Internal factors within the network, such as organisational structure (including network size, control mechanisms, and member accountability) and resources (human, material, and informational), play a pivotal role in shaping drug trafficking organisations’ strategies. Additionally, external factors, including maritime dynamics, port economics, cultural aspects, and institutional determinants, significantly impact decision-making processes within these criminal organisations.