Carabinieri carried out an operation on the morning of 10 November 2026 in the provinces of Matera, Brindisi, Modena and Palermo and at Matera prison against 13 suspects including five minors.[1] The measures comprised custodial detention, house arrest with an electronic bracelet, and placement of minors in residential communities.[2] A further adult was arrested in flagrante during the searches for possession of drugs intended for dealing.[1]
Investigators say the network consisted almost entirely of young people and was led by them, with an 18-year-old alleged operational leader later joined by a minor as co-regent.[1] The group allegedly bought cocaine and hashish in Matera, Bari and Taranto and resold it in Bernalda and other places in Matera province.[1] Minors were allegedly used as couriers, lookouts and drug guards, making garages and attics of family homes available as mobile stores.[1] Investigators identified more than 150 buyers, including at least 20 minors.[2]
The father of a minor was arrested after more than 250 grams of hashish allegedly stored for the group was found at his home.[1] He allegedly tried to stop officers finding the drugs by setting a large dog on them.[1] During the investigation officers seized various quantities of cocaine, hashish and marijuana along with several thousand euros in cash.[2] Pisticci Carabinieri ran the three-year investigation from July 2023 to March 2026 under the coordination of the Potenza anti-mafia directorate and juvenile prosecutor.[1] The suspects are presumed innocent while the case remains at the preliminary-investigation stage.[1]
