Anti-Camorra Blitz in Naples: 12 Arrested, Drug Trafficking Ring Dismantled
Naples, May 18, 2026 – A major anti-Camorra operation conducted jointly by the Police and Carabinieri in Naples resulted in the arrest of 12 individuals. The suspects are believed to be members of the Lepre clan, a criminal organization involved in drug trafficking, extortion, and illegal arms. The arrests were made following extensive investigations coordinated by the District Anti-Mafia Directorate (DDA).
Extensive Charges and Mafia Facilitation
The 54 individuals under investigation face a range of serious charges, including mafia-type association, association aimed at illicit drug trafficking, extortion and attempted extortion, illegal possession, carrying, and receiving of weapons and ammunition, violence and threats, aggravated assault, undue access to communication devices by detained individuals, and an unspecified number of illegal drug production, trafficking, and possession offenses. These crimes are further aggravated by the circumstance of mafia facilitation.
During the execution of the precautionary measures, issued by the investigating judge, numerous searches were carried out with the support of special units from both the Police and Carabinieri. The criminal group, known as the “cavone di piazza Dante” and composed of various factions, was a key player in the trafficking, production, and possession of illicit drugs.
Extortion Attempts and Drug Distribution Network
The investigation also uncovered attempts at extortion. Some of the suspects reportedly tried to extort money from a drug dealer who had previously worked for them, accusing him of stealing a significant quantity of drugs from the organization.
The arrests are the culmination of years of investigation by the Carabinieri of the Naples Centro Company and the State Police personnel from the III section of the Naples Flying Squad. Coordinated by the anti-mafia prosecutor’s office, their efforts have reconstructed and demonstrated the ongoing operations of the Lepre clan, even after the death of their leader, Ciro Lepre, when control passed to Salvatore Cianciulli and Luigi Lepre.
The investigation shed light on activities in two drug dealing squares. The primary and most significant one was located at via Correra 236, in the area known as Fondaco San Potito and Fondaco Ragno. A secondary location, acting as a branch, operated at via Correra 113, primarily dealing in marijuana and hashish. Over 250 legal violations have been documented by the Carabinieri and Police.
Drug Deliveries to Hospitals: A Disturbing Revelation
A particularly alarming discovery during the investigation was the extent of the drug delivery network. Pushers associated with the Lepre clan were found to be making deliveries to various locations across Naples, including commercial establishments, restaurants, pubs, and bars. More shockingly, they managed to access a well-known Naples hospital through a back entrance to supply cocaine to a nurse. Intercepted communications reveal the nurse even asking the courier to have security guards call him upon arrival.
Further investigations indicated that drug deliveries were also made to other city hospitals, catering to users working within these healthcare facilities. Among the pushers was an unauthorized parking attendant, who was intercepted requesting “good quality stuff” to retain a new client. This revelation underscores the pervasive nature of the drug trade and its infiltration into various sectors of society.
