Smuggling Axis between Naples and Foggia: 8 precautionary measures

Naples – The shipments were traveling along the roads connecting Campania to the Tavoliere plateau, hidden to feed a widespread retail network. At dawn, the Economic and Financial Police Unit of the Guardia di Finanza in Foggia launched a raid, executing a precautionary custody order signed by the preliminary investigations judge of the Daunia Court against eight individuals accused, on various counts, of smuggling foreign manufactured tobacco.

The judge's order established a clear geographical division of operational roles. Four residents of Naples were placed under house arrest on charges of managing the supply and storage at source. A milder precautionary measure was applied to the Puglia region: four individuals—three from Cerignola and one from Foggia—were placed under house arrest, deemed to be the logistics hubs responsible for placing the packages in the local area.

The stalking and the network between Cerignola and Foggia

The investigation stemmed from targeted patrols of anomalous traffic flows between the province of Foggia and the Naples area. By following the trail of deliveries and cross-referencing hours of stakeouts, tailings, and field investigations, the financial police narrowed their focus to a cell based in Cerignola and the Foggia capital, specializing in the temporary storage and rapid distribution of cigarette crates.

However, further investigations revealed a much broader organizational structure, which extended beyond the borders of Puglia to connect directly with the Campania region.

The warehouses between Borgo Sant'Antonio and Piazza Mercato

Retracing the route in reverse, the Guardia di Finanza soldiers identified the logistical heart of the supply chain in the historic center of Naples.

The investigation led to the identification of three actual clandestine warehouses set up in highly populated areas: among the alleys of Borgo Sant'Antonio Abate—known as "Buvero"—and the spaces adjacent to Piazza Mercato. From these collection points, the cartons were loaded and shipped toward the Adriatic Sea, before the precautionary measure shut down the illegal network.