Italian authorities dismantle Sicily drug network in multi‑province raid

The Guardia di Finanza, acting on a Catania prosecutor's delegation, carried out operation “Abisso”, arresting 15 people across the Italian provinces of Catania, Cosenza, Lecce, Prato, Reggio Calabria and Siracusa, and issuing a European arrest warrant in Malta. The suspects, linked to the Cappello‑Bonaccorsi clan of Catania and the Santa Panagia clan of Siracusa, were charged with drug trafficking, illegal weapons possession and intimidation. Investigators seized about 25 kg of cocaine, hashish and marijuana, and intercepted an attempted sea recovery of roughly two tonnes of cocaine. Preventive asset seizures amounted to roughly €700,000, and precautionary measures were requested for 13 additional individuals.

In a separate Catania operation, police dogs led investigators to a hidden stash of marijuana. The drug‑sniffing dog Ares uncovered a bag containing about 1 kg of marijuana in a waste area, and officers later found five vacuum‑sealed bags holding more than 10 kg. In total, over 11 kg of marijuana were seized and will be destroyed under judicial authority. The raids are part of ongoing efforts by the State Police and local authorities to disrupt drug distribution networks that fund organised crime in the region.