Italian police have successfully completed an outbreak operation in the Bari area of Lecce, between criminal gangs in Puglia and active clans in Albania, by arresting 17 people and seized 700 kg of marijuana.
The investigation called "Drug Boat" sentenced 15 people to prison and 5 others in house arrest, as they are accused of: possession and trafficking of narcotics in aggravating circumstances, cooperation with the mafia as well as possession of joint ammunition war.During the investigation that lasted nearly two years, the criminal group was allowed to extend its full activity and operation, as well as the structure of the "Velluto" clan, while Domenico Velluto (among the detainees) was at his head.
The operation is the result of a lengthy investigation that started in October 2016 with the arrest of Michele Cambria, caught in flagrance, while 7 kg of marijuana were discovered with a total value of five million euros.
Preliminary arrests
Velvet Domenico, 53, called "Mimmo Velluto".
Castoro Francesco, 51, called "Grisù".
De Giglio Vincenzo, 28, called "Pisellino".
Ferrara Paolo, 43 years old.
Franco Francesco, 28 years old.
Gallo Cosimo, 56 years old.
Marvulli Gianluca, 36, named "Luca".
Ranieri Umberto, 50 years old.
Perfetto Luigi, 57 years old.
Pinto Vito, 42 years old.
Romito Pietro, 33, known as "Piero Prosciutto".
Sassanelli Nicola, 40, called "Banana".
In house arrest:
Colasuonno Renato, 66, called "Marcello".
Fanelli Angelo, 34 years old.
Memola Davide, 39 years old.
De Manna Antonio, 35 years old.
Fraddosio Umberto, 35 years old.