A major operation conducted by the Italian Carabinieri has dismantled a sophisticated international trafficking network linked to the notorious Di Lauro clan. On May 7, 2026, authorities confirmed the arrest of 14 individuals accused of orchestrating large-scale drug distribution in collaboration with Albanian criminal organizations.
The investigation, coordinated by the Naples District Antimafia Directorate (DDA), sheds light on the evolving alliances between traditional Camorra clans and Balkan drug cartels.
The Key Players: “O’ Rockets” and the Albanian Connection
The investigation identified Raffaele Paolo, 55, known by the alias “O’ rockets,” as the central figure behind the operation.
- Criminal Resurgence: After his release from prison in 2019, Paolo allegedly reactivated his criminal network, positioning himself as a primary broker for cocaine and hashish.
- The Albanian Link: Paolo’s group reportedly utilized established contacts within the Albanian Mafia to secure a steady supply of high-purity narcotics entering Italy. Albanian groups have increasingly become the “gatekeepers” of South American cocaine entering European ports, making them essential partners for Italian syndicates.
The Scope of the Operation
The trafficking network was highly organized, employing a multi-tiered distribution strategy:
- Logistics: The group managed both traditional street-level dealing and a “home delivery” service for narcotics across various districts of Naples.
- Duration: The probe covered criminal activities spanning from 2020 to 2023, utilizing wiretaps and surveillance to map out the hierarchy.
- Seizures: In addition to the 14 primary arrests, six other distributors were caught during the investigative phase, with several kilograms of cocaine and hashish seized by police.
Legal Charges
The suspects are facing a range of serious charges, including:
- Criminal Association for the Purpose of Drug Trafficking (under Article 74 of the Presidential Decree 309/90).
- Possession with Intent to Distribute.
- Aggravating Circumstances related to promoting the interests of a Mafia-style organization (the Di Lauro clan).
Regional Impact
This operation is viewed as a significant blow to the Di Lauro clan, which has historically dominated the Secondigliano and Scampia neighborhoods. Law enforcement officials noted that the alliance with Albanian groups demonstrates a tactical shift, as Italian clans increasingly outsource the high-risk logistics of international procurement to Balkan partners while maintaining control over local distribution monopolies.
