In a coordinated operation, the Carabinieri in the southern Italian municipalities of Stilo and Monasterace in the province of Reggio Calabria have unearthed a large-scale cannabis plantation and an illegal weapons cache. During the operation, which was supported by the "Cacciatori Calabria" helicopter squadron, the officers came across a professionally organized drug network.
In the mountainous regions of Stilo, in the "Quote Roseto" district, the emergency services discovered an elaborately camouflaged plantation with almost 850 marijuana plants. The bushes were in full growth and had been planted in inaccessible terrain. In an abandoned farmhouse in the immediate vicinity, the carabinieri found over a kilogram of dried marijuana and utensils for cultivation and processing. The plantation was destroyed after evidence was secured on site.
The investigation also led the officers to Monasterace, where they discovered an extensive cache of weapons in a residential building. There, the officers seized a semi-automatic pistol with a ground-down serial number, more than 300 cartridges of various calibers - including war ammunition - as well as small quantities of marijuana and cannabis seeds.
The operation underlines the ongoing commitment of the Carabinieri in the fight against organized crime, particularly in areas that are difficult to access. The authorities see the professional organization as a clear indication of criminal gangs carrying out illegal activities in the region.
