Rome, 28 April (LaPresse) – The State Police have arrested 23 individuals strongly suspected, on various counts, of offences including criminal association for the purpose of illicit drug trafficking, drug dealing, and the illegal possession and carrying of firearms; these offences are aggravated by the use of mafia-style methods and by the aim of aiding the Russo clan, which operates in the Nola area and neighbouring regions. During the investigations, coordinated by the Naples Public Prosecutor’s Office and carried out by S.I.S.C.O. and the Mobile Squad, the operations of an organised structure dedicated to drug trafficking in the Nola area reportedly came to light, with branches and contacts with various individuals and suppliers, not only in the province of Naples but also in other Italian regions and abroad. Furthermore, the organisation is also said to have made use of mobile drug-dealing spots, with the sale of narcotics carried out by various pushers. The order for preventive detention in prison was issued by the investigating magistrate of the Court of Naples, at the request of the District Anti-Mafia Directorate.