Italian authorities arrest seven for drug trafficking and explosives

Italian authorities have arrested seven individuals, aged between 21 and 44, in the municipalities of Stornara and Orta Nova. The arrests, ordered by the Court of Foggia, follow an investigation into a criminal network involved in large-scale drug trafficking and extortion.

The suspects face charges including the sale of significant quantities of cocaine and hashish, organized crime, and extortion. Investigators also discovered the manufacture and possession of homemade explosive devices, specifically described as “marmotta” type explosives.

The investigation began in December 2025 after an attempted extortion against two brothers, which was linked to unpaid debts for drugs sold on credit. Authorities report that the group utilized violent physical and verbal methods to recover debts within the Cinque Reali Siti area.