Sorrento – A well-organized network, select clients, and a boss who liked to call himself "Marco Diavolo." Thus, behind the glossy exterior of the Amalfi Coast, amidst dream beaches and luxury hotels, a small army of dealers operated, supplying cocaine to wealthy tourists, local businessmen, and even well-known faces in the restaurant industry.
The operation by the Carabinieri of the Sorrento company, coordinated by the Torre Annunziata Public Prosecutor's Office headed by Prosecutor Nunzio Fragliasso, brought to a close an investigation that began in the spring of 2023 and culminated yesterday at dawn with seven precautionary measures carried out in the provinces of Naples, Salerno, Lecce, Cosenza, and Pescara.
The leader and the symbol: the “Devil” of Positano
Leading the network was Marco La Camera, 35, originally from Naples but living in Positano, a bodybuilder and well-known face on social media, where he went by the nickname "Marco Diavolo." On his head was a distinctive tattoo: "Nothing destroys me," a fascist-inspired motto he had chosen as his personal emblem.
According to investigators, he was the mastermind of the network that, in just three months, had managed to organize over 80 cocaine deals between the Sorrento peninsula and the Amalfi Coast, transforming the tourist paradise into a hub for the "white powder."
But the "Devil" had not counted on the discreet shadow of the Carabinieri who, since March 7, 2023, had been following him step by step.
It all started with a random check
The first piece of the investigation dates back to that very day, when a patrol in Sorrento stopped a high-powered car carrying Antonio Cafiero, later tried separately. The nervous and agitated man was found with over 30 grams of cocaine hidden under the seat.
His phone became the key to uncovering the entire network: a number saved as "Cumpà" popped up in his contacts. Behind that name was Marco La Camera himself. From there, meticulous wiretapping and environmental surveillance allowed the military to reconstruct the group's movements, coded language, and habits.
Coded language and illustrious clients
Conversations between group members were often tinged with seemingly innocuous metaphors and phrases.
In one of the most emblematic wiretaps, dated August 26, 2023, Paolo Marrone, one of the associates, said to an accomplice:
"When they come to get the sunbeds, if they don't have a clean towel, you mustn't let them sit down, do you understand?"
A way of referring to doses of cocaine and customers to be “served” or not.
Behind those words, a veritable on-demand service was offered, primarily to VIP clients and foreign tourists vacationing between Positano and Sorrento. However, there were also local consumers. Among them, investigators identified a well-known local chef, who had allegedly accumulated a debt of over €1.700 in cocaine.
During the investigation, the Carabinieri documented dozens of drug dealing incidents, seizing over 300 grams of cocaine already divided into doses ready for sale.
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Precautionary measures and the role of each individual
Following the investigation, Torre Annunziata investigating judge Riccardo Sena issued a precautionary custody order that fully complies with the Prosecutor's Office's requests.
The measures, carried out by the Carabinieri of the Naples provincial command, mark a significant blow to micro-traffic on the coast.
The measures taken:
Marco La Camera, 35, resident of Positano – in prison: believed to be the ring's leader and organizer.
Natale Limatola – in prison: La Camera's right-hand man, he managed logistics and contacts with suppliers.
Paolo Marrone – under house arrest: he handled home deliveries between Sorrento and Positano.
Giacomo Cinque – under house arrest: responsible for the transportation and custody of drugs.
Andrea Pacifici – residence ban in the province of Salerno: logistical support role.
Gabriele De Lucia – prohibited from residing in the municipality of Positano: local point of contact for customers.
Ferdinando Migliaccio – required to sign: responsible for small transports and internal messengers.
In addition to them, six suspects at large complete the picture of the organization, all accused, to varying degrees, of possession and dealing of narcotics.
The importance of the measure
The order by investigating judge Sena represents a crucial step in the fight against luxury micro-trafficking, which in recent years has found fertile ground in iconic international tourist destinations.
The Amalfi Coast, a global showcase of elegance and high society, had also become a discreet and profitable market for the sale of cocaine to “high-profile” clients, often arriving on yachts or from exclusive resorts.
The Carabinieri raid not only dismantled a widespread and organized network, but also demonstrated how high-end tourist drug dealing has become a new frontier for local crime, capable of intertwining high society and illegality under the same umbrella.
Comments (1)
The Carabinieri operation was truly remarkable, but I wonder why so many people are willing to buy drugs in places like Sorrento. It's important that these situations be handled seriously and carefully.