Naples – No sophisticated equipment or spy movie technology is needed. All it takes is a modified drone, a fishing line over two hundred meters long, and a simple yet effective idea.
According to the precautionary order issued against alleged members of the Vanella Grassi clan of Secondigliano—a group believed to have ties to Calabrian criminal circles—the gangs allegedly devised a new system to supply inmates inside the prison.
A method reminiscent of the ancient Neapolitan “panaro,” the basket lowered from balconies to receive groceries, but adapted to the needs of modern crime.
The invisible fishing line against anti-drone antennas
This is the story of Raffaele Paone, a collaborator with justice, whose statements are one of the pillars of the investigation.
According to the informer, the drones initially entered the prison grounds directly. However, the installation of antennas and countermeasures by prison authorities made this approach riskier.
The response from the gangs would have been immediate.
The aircraft are flown at very high altitudes, out of sight and beyond control systems, and from there they lower a line approximately 250 metres long.
A very thin thread, difficult to see with the naked eye, to which packages destined for inmates are attached. Drugs, cell phones, and—in some cases—even weapons. The drone no longer enters the prison, but the goods do.
Business and the Vanella Grassi Tax
Paone also details the financial background of the operation. Nico Grimaldi was said to be managing the trafficking, and in order to operate, he would have had to pay a fee to the Vanella Grassi group, which was listed as the local contact.
According to the collaborator, the clan initially received about half of the profits, with monthly payments reaching 30 or 40 euros during peak periods. Recently, however, trafficking has declined, with payments dropping to around 10 euros per month. The fishing line system was reportedly used on at least two occasions.
From the thirteenth floor to the gypsy camp
According to the informer, the logistics operations changed over time. In the initial phase, the drone took off from an apartment located on the thirteenth floor of the so-called "Cappe", taking advantage of the building's height to avoid checks.
Subsequently, the starting point would have been moved near the local nomad camp, considered more suitable for signal quality and operational coverage.
Video calls between inmates and inmates
During statements made in June 2024, Paone also recounted episodes related to the relationships between inmates and affiliates on the outside.
During a period under house arrest, he allegedly participated in a group video call on Instagram with individuals detained between Secondigliano and Syracuse.
At the centre of the discussion, the management of drones and the profits deriving from illegal deliveries.
According to the story, immediate requests for money—up to 20 euros—emerged, accompanied by threats related to properties and economic interests in the San Pietro a Patierno area, confirming how trafficking was central to the balance of power between criminal groups.
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
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