Salerno - The drug shipments headed to Salerno but also Cassino, Formia and Maddaloni left from Scampia.
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Those headed to Potenza and Viterbo instead left directly from Salerno. two autonomous but connected criminal groups among them were dismantled this morning thanks to an important anti-drug operation conducted by the Investigative Unit of the Provincial Carabinieri Command of Salerno which led to the arrest of 19 people, accused of association for the purpose of illicit drug trafficking and possession and supply of drugs.
The operation, supported by the territorially competent Carabinieri commands, the Sarno Dog Units and the 7th Helicopter Unit, dismantled two groups of drug dealers active between the provinces of Salerno and Potenza.
Two criminal groups dismantled
According to investigations, 17 of those arrested were divided into two distinct groups, dedicated to the trafficking of cocaine, crack and heroin. The first group was led by Manuel Milan e Federica Altamura, a couple of 27 and 28 years old from Salerno, and relied on a network of drug dealers who were periodically hired and "fired". The second group, on the other hand, was led by Alfonso Santaniello, an 34-year-old from Scampia, Naples.
Group roles and dynamics
The first group, consisting of 11 people, controlled the retail trade through a network of dealers equipped with dedicated telephones. Joseph Criscuolo, considered the main collaborator of the couple, was supported by several gregarious men. Antonio Noschese and Giovanni De Crescenzo, respectively grandfather and grandson, have been identified as stable suppliers of the group.
The second group, composed of 6 people, was led by Santaniello, who coordinated the activities of his collaborators Bruno Forte and Ferdinando Natale, who supplied drug dealers in Salerno and other locations such as Cassino, Formia and Maddaloni.
Further arrests
In addition to members of the two main groups, Teresa Vitolo and Daniele Abate were arrested for episodes of supply and possession of narcotics. The operation represents a heavy blow to the drug trafficking in the area and demonstrates the commitment of the police in combating this type of crime.
Article published on March 25, 2025 - 11pm
The operation to dismantle the drug dealing groups in Salerno and Potenza was an important thing, but I don't know if these arrests are enough to stop drug trafficking, which is very widespread in these areas.