One of the suspects is restaurant manager Mario Di Ferro, charged with procuring cocaine for a select clientèle including the former president of the Sicilian Regional Assembly Gianfranco Miccichè.
Miccichè, however, is not under investigation.
Di Ferro was placed under house arrest.
Miccichè, a former lawmaker and Government Minister with centre-right Forza Italia, is alleged to have picked up cocaine in his official blue car, complete with flashing lights, according to case documents.
Miccichè said he was “sorry” for Di Ferro, who he described as a “dear friend”.
“I used to go to his parties, which were always great fun, attended by lots of people and where I never saw any drugs,” said the politician.
He also “categorically rule[s] out driving around with a flashing light on”.
“I consider it much more important in my life to have been honest, never to have hurt anyone, never to have stolen a penny,” he said.
“Everyone has made mistakes in life,” added Miccichè.
“The important thing is to have a clear conscience, and I do.”
ANSA
