Naples, May 7 – A significant anti-mafia operation conducted by the Carabinieri of the Investigative Unit of Castello di Cisterna has resulted in the arrest of 26 individuals. The operation, coordinated by the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the District Anti-Mafia Directorate, targeted drug trafficking and possession and sale of drugs, aggravated by mafia methods. The arrests occurred yesterday, May 7, 2026, and involved two criminal groups operating in the territories of S. Antimo, S. Arpino, and neighboring municipalities, accused of facilitating local mafia clans in managing drug dealing.
Details of the Carabinieri Investigation and Operation
According to information released on the Carabinieri website, the investigative activity was led by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Naples. The precautionary custody order, issued by the GIP (Judge for Preliminary Investigations) at the request of the District Anti-Mafia Directorate, concerned 26 individuals. Of these, 18 were sent to prison, while 8 were placed under house arrest with electronic bracelets. All are seriously suspected, for various reasons, of crimes related to association aimed at drug trafficking, possession, and sale of drugs, aggravated by mafia methods or purposes.
Criminal Groups and Territories Involved
The investigations allowed for the reconstruction of the operations of two criminal groups that dominated the management of drug trafficking, particularly cocaine, marijuana, and hashish. These organizations were active in the territories of S. Antimo, S. Arpino, and the surrounding municipalities, where they managed numerous drug dealing squares. The groups, according to what emerged, would have facilitated the main criminal consortia of mafia type operating in the aforementioned areas, specifically the Verde clan and the Ranucci clan.
The Role of the Mafia Clans
The activity of the two criminal groups was not limited to the direct management of drug dealing squares but also extended to supporting local mafia organizations. In particular, the Verde and Ranucci clans would have benefited from the supply of drugs and the management of illicit activities, obtaining substantial proceeds. The mafia method and mafia purposes aggravate the charges brought against the suspects, highlighting the deep roots of criminal organizations in the social and economic fabric of the territories involved in Campania, Italy.
Impact on the Region
This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by Italian authorities to combat organized crime in the Campania region. The arrests are expected to disrupt the local drug trade and weaken the influence of the Verde and Ranucci clans within the affected communities. Authorities continue to investigate potential further connections and activities of these criminal networks.
Further Actions and Future Implications
The Carabinieri and the District Anti-Mafia Directorate remain committed to dismantling organized crime structures throughout Naples and the broader Campania region. This latest blitz serves as a deterrent to other criminal elements and a reassurance to the local population that law enforcement is actively working to ensure public safety and legality. The ongoing nature of these investigations suggests that more details and potentially further arrests may follow as authorities continue to process evidence and intelligence gathered during this extensive operation.
