A large-scale anti-drug operation began at dawn in the heart of Catania, ordered by the District Attorney's Office and conducted by the State Police, involving over 250 officers. The operation resulted in the execution of a pre-trial detention order, issued by the Preliminary Investigations Judge of the Catania Court, against 36 foreign nationals of various nationalities, deemed seriously suspected of a variety of drug trafficking and related predatory activities.

The investigation, coordinated by the Catania Public Prosecutor's Office, was carried out by the Catania Police Headquarters' Flying Squad, with the coordination of the Central Operations Service and the contribution of the "Centrale" Public Security Commissioner's Office.

Alternative measures for two suspects

In addition to the restrictive prison measures, the judicial authorities have imposed less restrictive precautionary measures on two other suspects, imposing a ban on residence in the Municipality of Catania and requiring them to remain at their homes during the evening and night hours, from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM. This decision was made based on the varying degrees of involvement that emerged during the investigation.

San Berillo Vecchio under observation

The focus of the investigation was the historic neighborhood of San Berillo Vecchio, constantly monitored through video recording systems that allowed detailed documentation of the operations of a veritable drug dealing hub. The area was allegedly managed by a large group of non-EU citizens of African origin, capable of extensive control of the neighborhood's main thoroughfares.

A continuous presence and a proven system

The investigation revealed that the suspects, acting individually or in concert, patrolled the neighborhood 24/7, following a well-established modus operandi. Buyers were accompanied or directed to specific locations in the neighborhood, where the drug dealing and sale took place. To evade controls, the drugs were hidden in unsuspecting places such as cracks in walls, garbage bins, and manholes.

Thousands of documented transfers

During the observation period, investigators managed to document thousands of drug dealing incidents, involving various types of drugs, including cocaine, crack, marijuana, and hashish. A constant flow of deals that would have transformed San Berillo Vecchio into one of the city's main drug-dealing hubs.

The network of local suppliers

The investigation also revealed the existence of a second level of the organization, consisting of local suppliers. These suppliers, through rapid and well-coordinated interventions, ensured the direct supply of drugs to the drug dealing sites, avoiding disruptions to the illicit activity and ensuring market continuity.

Arrests and reports during the investigations

Throughout the investigation, in addition to the measures taken today, 16 additional individuals were arrested red-handed for possession of narcotics with intent to sell, while 12 people were reported at large for the same crime, confirming the breadth and breadth of the criminal phenomenon that has emerged.

Robberies and extortions related to drug dealing

Some of the suspects are accused of robbery and extortion. In one particularly serious case, a victim was allegedly approached, along with a drug user, and subsequently robbed. The user, having been rendered incapacitated following a dose of drugs, allegedly had his cell phone and wallet stolen. According to investigators' reconstruction, to regain possession of his cell phone, the victim was forced to hand over €320, thus establishing a case of aggravated extortion that fits within the context of the criminal group's violent control of the territory.

The images acquired during the investigation also revealed that some of the suspects routinely drove stolen motorcycles. For this behavior, they were also charged with receiving stolen goods, further broadening the charges.