Reggio Calabria, Carabinieri dismantle a drug “Take-Away”. Arrests for drug dealing

Anti-drug operation in the CEP neighborhood of Archi: With a targeted blitz and an accurate investigative strategy, the Carabinieri of Reggio Calabria have dismantled a family-run drug dealing network that served dozens of customers every day. At dawn today, the military executed four precautionary measures, with house arrest and electronic bracelet, against a family – grandparents, children and grandchildren – accused of running a cocaine sales point organized with method and speed.

An investigation started thanks to the residents
The investigations, launched in June 2022, started from reports from residents who were worried and tired of the intense drug dealing activity that was making the neighborhood unsafe. The Carabinieri of the Archi Station responded by starting a tight monitoring of the CEP neighborhood, which lasted three months, during which stakeout services, targeted checks and analysis of images from surveillance cameras were planned.The military personnel of the Arma immediately identified an unusual modus operandi of the suspects, thus allowing them to refine the techniques of control and collection of evidence.

Drug “take-away”: cocaine delivered from the balcony
The military discovered that the family had set up a “take-away” system for the distribution of cocaine: Customers simply had to ring the intercom or approach the entrance, and a family member would lower a bucket containing the drugs from the balcony, hanging on a rope. After picking up the dose, the customer deposited the money in the same bucket, which was immediately withdrawn from the home. This system allowed for quick transactions and minimized the risk of being caught red-handed. Investigations confirmed that customers included people of different ages and social classes, demonstrating the widespread diffusion of the phenomenon.

A difficult context and the network of "vedette"
The investigators' work was made particularly complex by the characteristics of the CEP district of Archi, an area of ​​social degradation and with a significant presence of petty crime, strongly connected to the 'ndrangheta. To ensure constant and discreet monitoring, the Carabinieri had to overcome significant logistical obstacles, since the suspects could count on a system of "lookouts" who promptly reported the arrival of the Police. These lookouts were positioned at strategic points in the neighborhood, ready to raise the alarm in the event of a suspicious presence, making coordinated interventions and great caution necessary to avoid arousing suspicion and to complete the investigation without interference.

Stakes and searches: decisive evidence for arrests
Through meticulous work of stakeouts, in-depth analysis of video surveillance images and shadowing activities, The Carabinieri were able to document the functioning of the drug dealing network and to precisely identify the role of each member of the family.. The investigators have collected irrefutable evidence, which has also been confirmed by the results of house searches. During these operations, significant sums of cash, presumed proceeds of drug dealing, were found and seized, along with materials for packaging cocaine and devices used to facilitate the delivery of the drug.

The constant commitment of the Carabinieri for the safety of the territory
Today's operation is an example of the determination of the Carabinieri of Reggio Calabria in countering criminal activities related to drug dealing. The Arma, aware of the impact that drug trafficking has on the quality of life of citizens and on the safety of communities, has intensified its presence and control in at-risk neighborhoods over the years, acting not only with repressive operations but also with preventive activities to discourage petty crime.

This intervention is part of a broader strategy that involves not only Reggio Calabria, but the entire province, with the aim of guaranteeing citizens safety and legality. For the Carabinieri, operating in difficult contexts is an essential responsibility: through their work, they try to improve the quality of life of the community every day, acting as spokespersons for justice and legality in areas that require constant and strong protection.