safety
Italian police divers find huge cannabis stash in sea cave off celebrity holiday island
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· June 24, 2026
· 3 min read
By Barbie Latza Nadeau and Lianne Kolirin
(CNN) — Police divers have discovered more than half a million dollars worth of hashish hidden in a cave on the picturesque Italian island of Ponza.
The authorities on the island — a popular vacation spot for the rich and famous — said they seized 330...
Key takeaway The authorities on the island — a popular vacation spot for the rich and famous — said they seized 330 blocks of the drug, weighing 40 kilograms (88 pounds) in total, from the cave, which can only be accessed by sea.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The recent discovery of a large cannabis stash in a sea cave off the Italian island of Ponza serves as a reminder that even in small, seemingly idyllic communities, law enforcement must remain vigilant to combat illicit activity. In El Paso , where the city's size and proximity to the border can make it vulnerable to similar issues, the efforts of authorities in Ponza are noteworthy. The fact that police on the island were able to seize over 330 blocks of hashish, valued at over half a million dollars, demonstrates the importance of proactive policing and intelligence gathering. As El Paso prepares for its own summer events and festivals, which are expected to draw large crowds, local law enforcement can learn from the example set by Ponza's authorities, who have shown that even with limited resources, effective policing can make a significant impact in preventing drug-related activity.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Barbie Latza Nadeau and Lianne Kolirin
(CNN) — Police divers have discovered more than half a million dollars worth of hashish hidden in a cave on the picturesque Italian island of Ponza.
The authorities on the island — a popular vacation spot for the rich and famous — said they seized 330...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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