War arsenal seized in Aprilia: four detained over planned ambush against rival gang
The Direzione Investigativa Antimafia (Organised Crime Investigation Directorate) and the Carabinieri have prevented a mafia ambush in Aprilia, seizing a vast arsenal of military weapons. Four people arrested on the orders of Rome's DDA (District Anti-Mafia Directorate).
Military arsenal discovered in Aprilia, four detained over plan for mafia ambush
A criminal organisation of mafia type operating in Aprilia, in the province of Latina, was planning an armed attack against a rival gang in control of drug dealing areas, using military weapons equipped with precision optics. According to ANSA Cronaca.
The ambush was prevented on 16 May by the Carabinieri, who located and seized the arsenal in a property in the Pontine municipality. Following an order from Rome's DDA, the Direzione Investigativa Antimafia — with the support of Aprilia's Territorial Unit and the Rome Provincial Command — carried out a precautionary detention order from the public prosecutor against four people believed to be affiliated with the criminal organisation.
The four are seriously suspected, jointly acting together, of unlawful possession and carrying of military weapons, illegal weapons and explosives, as well as receiving stolen goods, with the aggravating factor of mafia-style methods.
The seized material comprises one military machine gun "M.G.", one Kalashnikov, five submachine guns, one machine pistol, six carbines, two "Fal" rifles, one pump-action rifle, one precision rifle, 22 pistols and revolvers, three hand grenades, eight silencers and seven devices including laser sights and precision optics. The property also contained approximately 2,800 rounds of various calibre, three bullet-resistant vests, counterfeit uniforms bearing the words "Polizia" and "Carabinieri" with respective holsters, counterfeit banknotes and narcotic substances.
During the operation, a foreign national found guarding the property was arrested in flagrante delicto.
Source: ANSA Cronaca