Eight foreign nationals were arrested in Italy and three additional suspects are being sought abroad as part of “Operation Phantom,” led by the Cagliari Anti-Mafia Directorate and State Police.

Investigators say the organization was headed by an Algerian asylum seeker who had recently settled near Cagliari.

Migrants were recruited and departures organized in Algeria, while a Sardinian unit handled reception, forged documents and logistical support. Police say a financier based around Marseille helped secure money and high-performance vessels.

The network planned to expand operations by using powerful, high-speed inflatable boats to travel from Sardinia to the Tunisian island of La Galite, pick up migrants and rapidly return to Sardinia.

Investigators also say the group planned to use two high-powered boats to import approximately 500 kg of hashish and 10 kg of cocaine from Spain.