LATINA – This morning saw the execution of an important anti-mafia operation by the District Anti-Mafia Directorate of Rome, with the support of the Investigative Unit of the Operations Department of the Provincial Command of the Carabinieri of Latina. The operation, called “Nico”, led to the issuing of precautionary measures for eleven people, believed to be part of an association dedicated to drug trafficking in the city of Latina. Also involved in the operation were the NORM-Operational Section of the Carabinieri Company of Latina, the Carabinieri Aircraft Group of Pratica di Mare, the Ponte Galeria Dog Unit and the Carabinieri responsible for the area.
The Arrested
Eight people were sent to prison:
- Ferdinando Di Silvioknown as Macvò, aged 46;
- Giovina Di Silvioknown as Anna or Piki, aged 49;
- Antonio Di Silvioknown as Cavallo, aged 58;
- Salvatore Di Silvioknown as Piccolo, aged 32;
- Antonio Di Silvioknown as Pippino, 25 years old;
- Stefania De Silvioknown as Sunacà, aged 23;
- Sabiuccia Di Silvioknown as Cucca, aged 24;
- Sabiuccia Di Silvioknown as Mammona, aged 68.
Three other people have received a residence ban in the province of Latina:
- Ermana Pagliaroliknown as Anna Agnaroli, aged 54;
- Rubina Di Silvioknown as Cerella, aged 57;
- Giovina Di Silvioknown as Paparella, aged 48.
Carmine Di Silvio’s Statements
Operation “Nico” began thanks to statements made in July 2021 by Carmine Di Silvio, known as Belvo, a member of the clan himself. Carmine, son and nephew of the main suspects Antonio “Cavallo” and Ferdinando “Macciò”, provided investigators with a detailed reconstruction of his family’s illicit activities, despite the fact that he has not formally decided to collaborate with justice. His revelations were confirmed by the previous testimonies of other collaborators of justice such as Renato Pugliese, Agostino Riccardo And Maurizio Zuppardo. Furthermore, further confirmation came from the testimonies of Carmine’s wife and sister-in-law.
The Structure of the Organization
The investigations, conducted by the Latina Investigative Unit with the coordination of the Rome District Anti-Mafia Directorate, were started in December 2021 and concluded in July 2022. The investigation highlighted a well-structured criminal organization, with defined hierarchies and specific roles. The Di Silvio family was able to manage the hashish and cocaine dealing activities in the “Campo Boario” and “Nicolosi” neighborhoods of Latina. The organization involved individuals with criminal records for similar crimes, who acted as leaders, promoters or simple participants, ensuring a constant supply of the drug dealers.
Investigation Techniques
Investigators used a combination of traditional and modern techniques to gather evidence against clan members. Telephone and environmental interceptions, analysis of images from specially installed cameras and observation services were carried out. Thanks to these techniques, it was possible to reconstruct numerous drug trafficking episodes and identify the role of each member of the organization. The proceeding is still in the preliminary investigation phase, and the principle of presumption of innocence applies to all suspects. Despite the serious accusations, it will be up to the judicial system to establish the criminal responsibilities of each person involved.
