To Rome with Love (Full Episode) | To Catch A Smuggler: Rome

Fiumicino Airport Security: A Detailed Overview

Key Concepts:

• Fiumicino Airport (FCO): Rome’s primary airport, a major entry point to Italy and the EU, facing challenges in immigration control and drug trafficking.
• Judicial Police (Polizia Giudiziaria): Italian law enforcement responsible for investigating crimes, including those occurring at the airport. Specifically, the Anti-Narcotics unit and Border Police Investigations Unit are highlighted.
• Schengen Area: A zone comprising 27 European countries that have officially abolished passport and any other type of border control at their mutual borders.
• Interpol: International Criminal Police Organization, used for international database checks.
• Narco-test: A field test used to identify the presence of illicit substances.
• Biometric Evaluation: Using fingerprints to verify identity against databases.
• Italpol: A private security firm contracted to monitor the airport terminals and respond to incidents.

I. Introduction: The Challenges at Fiumicino

Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy, is presented as a critical hub handling over 118,000 passengers daily. Its significance as a major entry point into Italy and the European Union makes it a focal point for both illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The airport operates 24/7, requiring constant vigilance from security personnel. The narrative focuses on the work of the Italian State Police, specifically the Anti-Narcotics unit and the Border Police Investigations Unit, in addressing these challenges.

II. Combating Drug Trafficking: Case Studies & Procedures

The documentary highlights several cases involving attempted drug smuggling.

• Brazilian Passenger from Lisbon: A passenger arriving from Lisbon, flagged due to the origin point (former Portuguese colonies are considered high-risk, particularly Brazil), aroused suspicion due to nervousness and minimal luggage. Despite a clean search of his suitcase and body, officers suspected concealment. The passenger maintained a story about his wife’s death, but officers remained skeptical. A subsequent narco-test revealed the presence of an illegal substance, ultimately identifying 120 grams of cocaine concealed in his underwear. He faces a potential sentence of 6-20 years. The officers noted the sophisticated design of the underwear, specifically engineered for concealment.
• Bulgarian Passenger from Sofia: This case involved a passenger flagged due to a suspicious travel history – frequent trips through the Balkans, a known drug trafficking route. She was identified upon arrival from Sofia, Bulgaria, and officers discovered four packages concealed within a plastic lining inside her suitcase. She denied knowledge of the drugs, but her travel patterns and a call to her brother suggest potential involvement in a larger criminal organization. 325 grams of cocaine were found. A conviction could result in 6-20 years imprisonment, potentially increased by seven years if proven to be part of a criminal network.

The process followed in these cases includes initial flagging based on intelligence, observation of passenger behavior, thorough searches, and ultimately, the use of narco-tests to confirm suspicions. The officers emphasize the importance of objectivity, even in emotionally charged situations. As Carretto states, “We’re not insensitive to situations like this. But we must be as objective as possible, because we never know if the person is being completely truthful.”

III. Addressing Illegal Immigration: Identifying False Documents & Human Stories

The documentary also details efforts to prevent illegal immigration, focusing on the detection of forged documents.

• Iranian Passengers with Israeli Passports: Two individuals claiming to be father and son, arriving from Istanbul with Israeli passports despite being Iranian nationals, were identified as suspicious. Officer Orlandi immediately recognized the discrepancy, greeting them in Persian and confirming their understanding. Biometric evaluation confirmed the older passenger had a recent Greek visa issued to his true identity. The passengers initially refused to surrender their real passports. Despite eventually admitting the passports were fake, they lacked documentation proving their familial relationship.
• Consequences of Lacking Proof of Kinship: Italian law dictates that without proof of their relationship, the father will be arrested, and the son will be placed in a social services center for minors. This highlights the tragic consequences of attempting to enter the country illegally, even for families seeking a better life. Crivella emphasizes the need for 100% certainty, stating, “There is 99.9% probability that they were father and son, but we need 100% certainty, we can't just assume.”

The process involves scrutinizing travel documents, utilizing biometric data, and employing linguistic skills to identify inconsistencies. The officers acknowledge the difficult circumstances faced by those attempting to immigrate illegally, recognizing them as “a family seeking a better life” rather than hardened criminals, but maintain the necessity of upholding the law.

IV. Routine Security Checks & Minor Offenses

The documentary also showcases the routine security checks that occur at Fiumicino.

• Couple with Liquids: A couple attempting to carry liquids (jars of pesto) in their carry-on luggage caused a delay. Communication difficulties due to a language barrier initially complicated the situation, but they eventually agreed to check their bag. A subsequent alarm triggered by another carry-on further delayed them, highlighting the importance of adhering to security regulations.
• Perfume Theft: A passenger briefly stole perfume from a duty-free shop but returned it before being apprehended. This incident demonstrates the vigilance of Italpol security personnel and the effectiveness of the airport’s surveillance system.

V. The Role of Italpol & Airport Security Infrastructure

Italpol, a private security firm, plays a crucial role in maintaining security within the airport terminals. They operate a comprehensive surveillance system, utilizing cameras throughout the duty-free shops and covering over 400,000 square meters. Casavola, representing Italpol, emphasizes their commitment to passenger safety and the low crime rate within the airport, attributing it to their highly trained and alert personnel. They utilize international databases (Interpol, Schengen area) to verify passenger identities and flag potential threats. Casavola stresses the importance of assisting those fleeing hardship while remaining firm against those exploiting vulnerable individuals.

VI. Data & Statistics

• Daily Passenger Volume: Over 118,000 passengers pass through Fiumicino Airport daily.
• Airport Size: The terminals cover over 400,000 square meters.
• Italpol Personnel: Approximately 800 individuals comprise the Italpol security team.
• Potential Sentence for Drug Trafficking: 6-20 years imprisonment for attempting to smuggle cocaine into Italy. An additional 7 years could be added if linked to a criminal organization.
• Potential Sentence for Passport Fraud: 2-5 years imprisonment for using a fake passport.

Conclusion:

Fiumicino Airport’s security system is a complex and multi-layered operation designed to balance efficiency with the need to protect Italy and the EU from illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The documentary showcases the dedication and expertise of the Italian State Police and Italpol personnel, highlighting their reliance on intelligence gathering, advanced technology, and meticulous procedures. While acknowledging the human stories behind these cases, the officers emphasize the importance of objectivity and adherence to the law. The airport’s security infrastructure, combined with the vigilance of its personnel, aims to maintain a safe and secure environment for the vast number of passengers who pass through its gates each day.