Realized on assignment for National Geographic Italy and Stern magazine

What connects patients forced to buy marijuana on the black market with a drug trafficker who hides a wide variety of weapons and ammunition in a suitcase? And what does consumers have to do with a journalist who receives death threats from drug cartels?

I have been trying to find an answer by documenting the consequences of Prohibition. At the beginning of the twentieth century Italy was among the world’s leading producers of hemp and the largest in Europe, with almost 100 thousand hectares of its soil dedicated to hemp cultivation. Then, in the ‘50s, the implementation of the “Marijuana Tax Act” in the USA caused the disappearance of industrial hemp and the arrival of synthetic petroleum-based fibers on the market. Nowadays, there are entrepreneurs committed to restarting the legal business of industrial hemp; sick people who have difficulty to get access to the medicine; the endless “war on drugs” and even staff members of the Military Chemical-Pharmaceutical Plant who grow marijuana in Italy, which is then sold for therapeutic purposes. Amidst this chaos, the monopoly of the cannabis business belongs to organized crime, which sells up to 3 thousand tonnes of cannabinoids a year, to the value of around 7 billion euro. In the last decade Albania has become the largest producer of outdoor-grown cannabis in Europe. The plant was a godsend for farmers in the village of Lazarat till 2014, when a major raid carried out by the Albanian authorities destroyed the local production, but the “green gold” industry won’t collapse easily, despite the fact that Albania continues to receive assistance to enhance its drug enforcement capacities. It’s like the tail wagging the dog. Some countries are benefiting from the end of Prohibition against cannabis, but its continuation elsewhere is one of the primary cause of intimidation against journalists and police, while violence and corruption acts are used to divert state apparatus and politicians. People in poor health, associations and a few enlightened doctors have, for a number of years now, been trying to recover the precious legacy of therapeutic cannabis. From its ability to ease nausea caused by aggressive treatments like chemotherapy, to muscle tightness and dealing with spasms, right up to studies that have been conducted on the anti-tumor properties of one of its cannabinoid constituents (THC), today cannabis is back to being a treatment both promising but, regrettably, difficult to obtain, particularly for sick people. This is a violation of their right to health, which is a fundamental part of our human rights and has been enumerated in international agreements which include the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Antonio Cerozzi, owner of a farm that produces cereals, fruit and vegetables, is seen with Rachele Invernizzi walking among his industrial hemp plants on a five-hectare field. Torremaggiore (Foggia), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Antonio Cerozzi, owner of a farm that produces cereals, fruit and vegetables, is seen with Rachele Invernizzi walking among his industrial hemp plants on a five-hectare field. Torremaggiore (Foggia), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some young men are seen busy defoliating inflorescences from the cultivated field for the “Saracinesco in Canapa” project. Saracinesco (Rome), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some young men are seen busy defoliating inflorescences from the cultivated field for the “Saracinesco in Canapa” project. Saracinesco (Rome), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
The entrepreneur Rachele Invernizzi takes away some industrial hemp plants in her car to examine them, after having removed them from the fields belonging to her chain. Serracapriola (Foggia), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
The entrepreneur Rachele Invernizzi takes away some industrial hemp plants in her car to examine them, after having removed them from the fields belonging to her chain. Serracapriola (Foggia), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some young men are seen working before the start of the seed planting party. The field has been given for the free use to an association and it is devoted to the cultivation of vegetables and the sowing of hemp seeds. Castiglione d’Otranto, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some young men are seen working before the start of the seed planting party. The field has been given for the free use to an association and it is devoted to the cultivation of vegetables and the sowing of hemp seeds. Castiglione d’Otranto, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A child takes some hemp seeds out of a bucket to spread them on the field while his mother is stroking his hair. Castiglione d’Otranto, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A child takes some hemp seeds out of a bucket to spread them on the field while his mother is stroking his hair. Castiglione d’Otranto, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Industrial hemp placed on a sheet during a cleaning process to collect seeds. Saracinesco (Rome), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Industrial hemp placed on a sheet during a cleaning process to collect seeds. Saracinesco (Rome), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Industrial hemp inflorescences, low in THC, in the curing and drying room for the “Saracinesco in Canapa” project. Saracinesco (Rome), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Industrial hemp inflorescences, low in THC, in the curing and drying room for the “Saracinesco in Canapa” project. Saracinesco (Rome), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Eugenio Durante, hemp-grower for the past five years, is seen spinning raw hemp fiber in his home. Eugenio, along with his brother Leonardo, has been experimenting with the use of hemp for the realization of handmade fabrics, paper and building materials. Bassano Romano (Viterbo), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Eugenio Durante, hemp-grower for the past five years, is seen spinning raw hemp fiber in his home. Eugenio, along with his brother Leonardo, has been experimenting with the use of hemp for the realization of handmade fabrics, paper and building materials. Bassano Romano (Viterbo), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Industrial hemp inflorescences in the curing and drying room for the “Saracinesco in Canapa” project. Saracinesco (Rome), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Industrial hemp inflorescences in the curing and drying room for the “Saracinesco in Canapa” project. Saracinesco (Rome), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A worker picks up hemp fibre from the floor at an industrial hemp processing center. Crispiano (Taranto), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A worker picks up hemp fibre from the floor at an industrial hemp processing center. Crispiano (Taranto), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Vincenzo Fornaro is seen carrying a 20 kg hemp seed sack at his farmhouse. Taranto, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Vincenzo Fornaro is seen carrying a 20 kg hemp seed sack at his farmhouse. Taranto, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some young men, housed in the SPRAR centre (System of Protection for Asylum Seekers and Refugees) in the Salento area, are seen dancing and singing with a band during the hemp seed planting party. Castiglione d’Otranto, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some young men, housed in the SPRAR centre (System of Protection for Asylum Seekers and Refugees) in the Salento area, are seen dancing and singing with a band during the hemp seed planting party. Castiglione d’Otranto, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Vincenzo Fornaro, owner of the Carmine farmhouse, helps a farm worker pour hemp seeds into a precision- sowing machinery. Vincenzo decided to remediate a two-hectare field through hemp cultivation. Taranto, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Vincenzo Fornaro, owner of the Carmine farmhouse, helps a farm worker pour hemp seeds into a precision- sowing machinery. Vincenzo decided to remediate a two-hectare field through hemp cultivation. Taranto, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A sheep dog at the Fornaro brothers’ farmhouse, in the background the chimneystack of the ILVA plant. The Fornaro family, owners of the farmhouse, saw all their animals slaughtered due to the dioxin infection caused by the nearby steelwork hub in 2008. Taranto, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A sheep dog at the Fornaro brothers’ farmhouse, in the background the chimneystack of the ILVA plant. The Fornaro family, owners of the farmhouse, saw all their animals slaughtered due to the dioxin infection caused by the nearby steelwork hub in 2008. Taranto, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Emilio Sanapo is seen in front of his house, built entirely of lime and hemp, with his construction manager. After having verified the hemp insulation capabilities and its water retention capacity, Emilio did not install any cooling or heating systems. Supersano, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Emilio Sanapo is seen in front of his house, built entirely of lime and hemp, with his construction manager. After having verified the hemp insulation capabilities and its water retention capacity, Emilio did not install any cooling or heating systems. Supersano, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A bicycle between some hemp straw bales at the first hemp processing center in northern Italy. Carmagnola, Italy 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
A bicycle between some hemp straw bales at the first hemp processing center in northern Italy. Carmagnola, Italy 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
28-year-old Christian Ferri, in front of a cannabis plant at his home. Christian was involved in an extremely serious car accident in 2006 and he suffers from anxiety and panic attacks. Whilst having a medical prescription, he grows marijuana for himself not being able to afford medical cannabis from pharmacies. Rome, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
28-year-old Christian Ferri, in front of a cannabis plant at his home. Christian was involved in an extremely serious car accident in 2006 and he suffers from anxiety and panic attacks. Whilst having a medical prescription, he grows marijuana for himself not being able to afford medical cannabis from pharmacies. Rome, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
34-year-old Alessandro Raudino, affected by multiple sclerosis and founder of the “Cannabis Cura Sicilia” association, is seen by his uncle’s pool. Lentini (Siracusa), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
34-year-old Alessandro Raudino, affected by multiple sclerosis and founder of the “Cannabis Cura Sicilia” association, is seen by his uncle’s pool. Lentini (Siracusa), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
38-year-old Andrea Trisciuoglio, affected by multiple sclerosis, is about to use a cannabis vaporizer for therapeutic inhalation. Turning active substances into vapour, the vaporizer doesn’t produce the harmful substances of combustion, the consumption of cannabis is purer and its effect is more prolonged. Foggia, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
38-year-old Andrea Trisciuoglio, affected by multiple sclerosis, is about to use a cannabis vaporizer for therapeutic inhalation. Turning active substances into vapour, the vaporizer doesn’t produce the harmful substances of combustion, the consumption of cannabis is purer and its effect is more prolonged. Foggia, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Posters and historic pictures depicting Marco Pannella at the Radical Party headquarters. Died in 2016, Pannella was a precursor in the fight for the Anti-Prohibition and for the legalization of soft drugs such as cannabis. Rome, Italy 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
Posters and historic pictures depicting Marco Pannella at the Radical Party headquarters. Died in 2016, Pannella was a precursor in the fight for the Anti-Prohibition and for the legalization of soft drugs such as cannabis. Rome, Italy 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
A staff member of the Military Chemical-Pharmaceutical Plant in Florence, looks inside a greenhouse with about 120 plants of medical cannabis. Florence, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A staff member of the Military Chemical-Pharmaceutical Plant in Florence, looks inside a greenhouse with about 120 plants of medical cannabis. Florence, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some visitors at the industrial hemp and medical cannabis fair “Canapa in Mostra”, are seen relaxing in the garden at the complex while a child plays on a swing hanging from a tree branch. Naples, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some visitors at the industrial hemp and medical cannabis fair “Canapa in Mostra”, are seen relaxing in the garden at the complex while a child plays on a swing hanging from a tree branch. Naples, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A view of the Vesuvius crater. Naples, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A view of the Vesuvius crater. Naples, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A bathroom wheelchair in the house of 36-year-old Alberico Nobile, who was left quadriplegic after a car accident in 1995; he is now a member of the “LapianTiamo” association. Talsano (Taranto), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A bathroom wheelchair in the house of 36-year-old Alberico Nobile, who was left quadriplegic after a car accident in 1995; he is now a member of the “LapianTiamo” association. Talsano (Taranto), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
34-year-old Alessandro Raudino, who has been suffering from multiple sclerosis since 2006, is seen on the beach with tourists and swimmers in the background. Marina di Modica (Ragusa), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
34-year-old Alessandro Raudino, who has been suffering from multiple sclerosis since 2006, is seen on the beach with tourists and swimmers in the background. Marina di Modica (Ragusa), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some cigarettes of medical cannabis on a table, at 38-year-old Andrea Trisciuoglio’s house. Affected by multiple sclerosis, his wife Anna rolls dozens of therapeutic cigarettes for her husband Andrea every day. Foggia, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some cigarettes of medical cannabis on a table, at 38-year-old Andrea Trisciuoglio’s house. Affected by multiple sclerosis, his wife Anna rolls dozens of therapeutic cigarettes for her husband Andrea every day. Foggia, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Fabio Tamburlani, founder of the “Cannabis Cura Cori” association, is hidden behind a cloud of smoke. Cori (Latina), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Fabio Tamburlani, founder of the “Cannabis Cura Cori” association, is hidden behind a cloud of smoke. Cori (Latina), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A view of the volcano Etna. Catania, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A view of the volcano Etna. Catania, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
34-year-old Alessandro Raudino, affected by multiple sclerosis, is seen on the beach with his girlfriend Florida Vitale. Marina di Modica (Ragusa), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
34-year-old Alessandro Raudino, affected by multiple sclerosis, is seen on the beach with his girlfriend Florida Vitale. Marina di Modica (Ragusa), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A packet of feminized cannabis seeds available at a Grow Shop. Cori (Latina), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A packet of feminized cannabis seeds available at a Grow Shop. Cori (Latina), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
An indoor cannabis cultivation for therapeutic use. Unable to buy cannabis produced by the State at the pharmacies, where it is sold for 30 euro per gram, many patients are forced to grow it illegally or buy it on the black market. Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
An indoor cannabis cultivation for therapeutic use. Unable to buy cannabis produced by the State at the pharmacies, where it is sold for 30 euro per gram, many patients are forced to grow it illegally or buy it on the black market. Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
34-year-old Alessandro Raudino, affected by multiple sclerosis and cannabis user for therapeutic purposes, checks some cannabis he bought on the black market under the microscope in order to verify its quality. Modica (Ragusa), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
34-year-old Alessandro Raudino, affected by multiple sclerosis and cannabis user for therapeutic purposes, checks some cannabis he bought on the black market under the microscope in order to verify its quality. Modica (Ragusa), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
7-year-old Antonio, plays with a ball in the backyard of the house, while his father Andrea Trisciuoglio, affected by multiple sclerosis, smokes a medical cannabis cigarette, out of sight from his son. Foggia, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
7-year-old Antonio, plays with a ball in the backyard of the house, while his father Andrea Trisciuoglio, affected by multiple sclerosis, smokes a medical cannabis cigarette, out of sight from his son. Foggia, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Spino, Alessandro Raudino’s dog on the couch at his house. Modica (Ragusa), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Spino, Alessandro Raudino’s dog on the couch at his house. Modica (Ragusa), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
38-year-old Andrea Trisciuoglio, affected by multiple sclerosis, relaxes in his mother’s living room. Andrea’s annual medical examinations have shown that since he started using cannabis for therapeutic purposes, no other plates responsible for the disease progression, have formed. Foggia, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
38-year-old Andrea Trisciuoglio, affected by multiple sclerosis, relaxes in his mother’s living room. Andrea’s annual medical examinations have shown that since he started using cannabis for therapeutic purposes, no other plates responsible for the disease progression, have formed. Foggia, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
The front door to the meeting room for visitors at the prison in Chieti where 48-year-old fibromyalgia patient Fabrizio Pellegrini is being held; he was arrested for possession of weed and the cultivation of five cannabis plants for therapeutic purposes in his house. Chieti, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
The front door to the meeting room for visitors at the prison in Chieti where 48-year-old fibromyalgia patient Fabrizio Pellegrini is being held; he was arrested for possession of weed and the cultivation of five cannabis plants for therapeutic purposes in his house. Chieti, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
65-year-old Pierluigi Tomassini, is seen on the balcony of his flat. In 2016 the financial police (GDF) seized his marijuana plantation that he wanted to use for therapeutic purposes. Pierluigi had two tumors and uses cannabis with regular medical prescription but he cannot buy the one sold by pharmacies at 16 euro per gram. Rome, Italy 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
65-year-old Pierluigi Tomassini, is seen on the balcony of his flat. In 2016 the financial police (GDF) seized his marijuana plantation that he wanted to use for therapeutic purposes. Pierluigi had two tumors and uses cannabis with regular medical prescription but he cannot buy the one sold by pharmacies at 16 euro per gram. Rome, Italy 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
Medical cannabis stored in a vault at the Military Chemical-Pharmaceutical Plant in Florence: 24 kilos of Cannabis FM2, with ground inflorescences, were obtained from the first three harvests and sold for 7 euros per gram. The Ministry determines the final price in pharmacies for patients. Florence, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Medical cannabis stored in a vault at the Military Chemical-Pharmaceutical Plant in Florence: 24 kilos of Cannabis FM2, with ground inflorescences, were obtained from the first three harvests and sold for 7 euros per gram. The Ministry determines the final price in pharmacies for patients. Florence, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A staff member at the Military Chemical-Pharmaceutical Plant in Florence, is seen working in a greenhouse with about 120 plants of medical cannabis. The plant cuttings were supplied free of charge by the CRA-CIN center in Rovigo, which is financed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Policy. Florence, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A staff member at the Military Chemical-Pharmaceutical Plant in Florence, is seen working in a greenhouse with about 120 plants of medical cannabis. The plant cuttings were supplied free of charge by the CRA-CIN center in Rovigo, which is financed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry Policy. Florence, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
36-year-old Alberico Nobile, who was left quadriplegic after a car accident, is seen smoking cannabis in his house with the help of his friend Vincenzo. Due to his disease, Alberico’s parents and friends roll cannabis cigarettes every hour to give him his therapy. Talsano (Taranto), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
36-year-old Alberico Nobile, who was left quadriplegic after a car accident, is seen smoking cannabis in his house with the help of his friend Vincenzo. Due to his disease, Alberico’s parents and friends roll cannabis cigarettes every hour to give him his therapy. Talsano (Taranto), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
An incineration plant used by the Counter-narcotics Group (G.O.A.) in the tax unit of the Lecce financial police, to destroy marijuana seized in counter-narcotics operations. Galatina (Lecce), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
An incineration plant used by the Counter-narcotics Group (G.O.A.) in the tax unit of the Lecce financial police, to destroy marijuana seized in counter-narcotics operations. Galatina (Lecce), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Two members of the Counter-narcotics Group (G.O.A.) in the tax unit of the Lecce financial police are seen in the elevator of an incineration plant where marijuana, seized in counter-narcotics operations, is destroyed. Galatina (Lecce), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Two members of the Counter-narcotics Group (G.O.A.) in the tax unit of the Lecce financial police are seen in the elevator of an incineration plant where marijuana, seized in counter-narcotics operations, is destroyed. Galatina (Lecce), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A gun next to two sets of headphones in the telephone-tapping room at the local control office of the Guardia di Finanza (Financial Police) in Lecce, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A gun next to two sets of headphones in the telephone-tapping room at the local control office of the Guardia di Finanza (Financial Police) in Lecce, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
The commander of the Organized Crime Investigation Group (G.I.C.O.) along with soldiers from the Counter-narcotics Group (G.O.A.) in the tax unit of the Lecce financial police, are seen engaged in investigative operations. Lecce, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
The commander of the Organized Crime Investigation Group (G.I.C.O.) along with soldiers from the Counter-narcotics Group (G.O.A.) in the tax unit of the Lecce financial police, are seen engaged in investigative operations. Lecce, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A member of the Counter-narcotics Group (G.O.A.) in the tax unit of the Lecce financial police is seen involved in a stakeout during a counter-narcotics operation. Brindisi, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A member of the Counter-narcotics Group (G.O.A.) in the tax unit of the Lecce financial police is seen involved in a stakeout during a counter-narcotics operation. Brindisi, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
An unmarked car of the Counter-narcotics Group (G.O.A.) from the tax unit of the Lecce financial police is seen engaged in a high-speed pursuit of a suspicious van in which about 330 kilos of marijuana were later found. Carovigno (Brindisi), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
An unmarked car of the Counter-narcotics Group (G.O.A.) from the tax unit of the Lecce financial police is seen engaged in a high-speed pursuit of a suspicious van in which about 330 kilos of marijuana were later found. Carovigno (Brindisi), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some members of the Counter-narcotics Group (G.O.A.) in the tax unit of the Lecce financial police, led by the commander of the Organized Crime Investigation Group (G.I.C.O.), are seen pointing their guns at a van driver suspected of carrying marijuana. Carovigno (Brindisi), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some members of the Counter-narcotics Group (G.O.A.) in the tax unit of the Lecce financial police, led by the commander of the Organized Crime Investigation Group (G.I.C.O.), are seen pointing their guns at a van driver suspected of carrying marijuana. Carovigno (Brindisi), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A member of the Counter-narcotics Group (G.O.A.) in the tax unit of the Lecce financial police goes down the hall of the barracks walking on some bags containing marijuana seized in a counter-narcotics operation. Lecce, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A member of the Counter-narcotics Group (G.O.A.) in the tax unit of the Lecce financial police goes down the hall of the barracks walking on some bags containing marijuana seized in a counter-narcotics operation. Lecce, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Two members of the Counter-narcotics Group (G.O.A.) in the tax unit of the Lecce financial police are seen taking the fingerprints of 49-year-old L.G., arrested for driving a van containing about 330 kilos of marijuana coming from Albania. Lecce, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Two members of the Counter-narcotics Group (G.O.A.) in the tax unit of the Lecce financial police are seen taking the fingerprints of 49-year-old L.G., arrested for driving a van containing about 330 kilos of marijuana coming from Albania. Lecce, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Around 4 tonnes of marijuana, well wrapped by traffickers to prevent it getting wet during transport by sea from Albania and seized in a counter-narcotics operation, are seen stored at the local control office of the Guardia di Finanza (Financial Police) in Lecce, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
Around 4 tonnes of marijuana, well wrapped by traffickers to prevent it getting wet during transport by sea from Albania and seized in a counter-narcotics operation, are seen stored at the local control office of the Guardia di Finanza (Financial Police) in Lecce, Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A member of the Counter-narcotics Group (G.O.A.) in the tax unit of the Lecce financial police is seen carrying out the incineration of a load of marijuana seized in a counter-narcotics operation. Galatina (Lecce), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A member of the Counter-narcotics Group (G.O.A.) in the tax unit of the Lecce financial police is seen carrying out the incineration of a load of marijuana seized in a counter-narcotics operation. Galatina (Lecce), Italy 2016. © Matteo Bastianelli
A football door on a field in Lazarat. The village was known as the European capital of cannabis until 2014, when a major raid carried out by the Albanian government destroyed the local production and trafficking. Lazarat, Albania 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
A football door on a field in Lazarat. The village was known as the European capital of cannabis until 2014, when a major raid carried out by the Albanian government destroyed the local production and trafficking. Lazarat, Albania 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
A horse on the side of a road in Lazarat. The village was known as the European capital of cannabis until 2014, when a major raid carried out by the Albanian government destroyed the local production and trafficking. Lazarat, Albania 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
A horse on the side of a road in Lazarat. The village was known as the European capital of cannabis until 2014, when a major raid carried out by the Albanian government destroyed the local production and trafficking. Lazarat, Albania 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
Artan Hoxha, a 43-year-old Albanian investigative journalist for the “24 News” TV, looking at the coast of Sarandë, where he affirms that the majority of drug cartels’ properties are to be found, including those of fugitive criminal Klement Balili. Llogara, Albania 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
Artan Hoxha, a 43-year-old Albanian investigative journalist for the “24 News” TV, looking at the coast of Sarandë, where he affirms that the majority of drug cartels’ properties are to be found, including those of fugitive criminal Klement Balili. Llogara, Albania 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some military personnel of the Maritime Border Unit of the Guardia di Finanza are seen with members of the Delta Force aboard two vessels patrolling Albanian waters. Most of drug shipments headed to Europe leaves from the port of Vlorë, where Italian and Albanian authorities are working together against drug trafficking. Vlorë, Albania 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some military personnel of the Maritime Border Unit of the Guardia di Finanza are seen with members of the Delta Force aboard two vessels patrolling Albanian waters. Most of drug shipments headed to Europe leaves from the port of Vlorë, where Italian and Albanian authorities are working together against drug trafficking. Vlorë, Albania 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some people are seen resting around the outdoor pool of the “Santa Quaranta” five-star hotel owned by fugitive criminal Klement Balili. Many tourists who are staying there don’t know that its owner is wanted by the DEA, a United States federal law enforcement agency, and by the Greek police. Sarandë, Albania 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some people are seen resting around the outdoor pool of the “Santa Quaranta” five-star hotel owned by fugitive criminal Klement Balili. Many tourists who are staying there don’t know that its owner is wanted by the DEA, a United States federal law enforcement agency, and by the Greek police. Sarandë, Albania 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
The statue of a lion chained to a pole in the vicinity of a villa in Lazarat. The village was known as the European capital of cannabis until 2014, when a major raid carried out by the Albanian government destroyed the local production and trafficking. Lazarat, Albania 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
The statue of a lion chained to a pole in the vicinity of a villa in Lazarat. The village was known as the European capital of cannabis until 2014, when a major raid carried out by the Albanian government destroyed the local production and trafficking. Lazarat, Albania 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
A drug trafficker is seen in front of a suitcase with weapons, plastic bags with full metal jacket bullets, ammunition, a Chinese-made carbine model 56, handcuffs and a detonator operable by phone, that he holds illegally inside a house in Albania 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
A drug trafficker is seen in front of a suitcase with weapons, plastic bags with full metal jacket bullets, ammunition, a Chinese-made carbine model 56, handcuffs and a detonator operable by phone, that he holds illegally inside a house in Albania 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some newspapers next to the bullets that Artan Hoxha, a 43-year-old Albanian investigative journalist for the “24 News” TV, keeps in his office, including the one used by drug cartels to threaten him, some of those fired by drug traffickers against police helicopters during the siege of Lazarat in 2014 and some of the Civil War of 1997. Tirana, Albania 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
Some newspapers next to the bullets that Artan Hoxha, a 43-year-old Albanian investigative journalist for the “24 News” TV, keeps in his office, including the one used by drug cartels to threaten him, some of those fired by drug traffickers against police helicopters during the siege of Lazarat in 2014 and some of the Civil War of 1997. Tirana, Albania 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
Artan Hoxha, a 43-year-old Albanian investigative journalist for the “24 News” TV, is seen inside his office, in front of a window, whose glass was broken to intimidate him. Artan has received several death threats and he was kidnapped by drug cartels for the work he is carrying out. Tirana, Albania 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
Artan Hoxha, a 43-year-old Albanian investigative journalist for the “24 News” TV, is seen inside his office, in front of a window, whose glass was broken to intimidate him. Artan has received several death threats and he was kidnapped by drug cartels for the work he is carrying out. Tirana, Albania 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
A drug trafficker is seen holding the gun that he always carries with him, while seated around a table with marijuana and cocaine on it, drugs that he illegally holds in a house in Albania 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
A drug trafficker is seen holding the gun that he always carries with him, while seated around a table with marijuana and cocaine on it, drugs that he illegally holds in a house in Albania 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
A group of friends smoke cannabis for recreational purposes. According to the 2016 annual report of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, 83 million Europeans have used cannabis at least once in their life. Rome, Italy 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli
A group of friends smoke cannabis for recreational purposes. According to the 2016 annual report of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, 83 million Europeans have used cannabis at least once in their life. Rome, Italy 2017. © Matteo Bastianelli

GREEN GOLD (2016-2018)