They had illegally occupied some common areas and cellars. Not only that, but they had also started a thriving drug-related business in those spaces.
In Sant'Antioco, the Carabinieri arrested a couple—a 60-year-old unemployed man and a 48-year-old woman—on charges of drug dealing.
The Carabinieri's intervention stemmed from complaints from legitimate tenants of some public housing units. Immediate efforts to the Municipality failed to yield an immediate solution. Thus, the administration itself brought the matter to the attention of the Provincial Committee for Public Order and Safety, chaired by Prefect Giuseppe Castaldo.
With the participation of Mayor Ignazio Locci, an agreement was reached to strengthen the services already provided by the Sant'Antioco Carabinieri station, with the aim of restoring legality and addressing the root cause of the problem.
Starting in April 2025, the military began a complex investigation, documenting the ongoing state of occupation and, at the same time, ascertaining that drug dealing was developing within the premises.
An initial operation was carried out on July 12, when approximately 49 grams of cocaine, 4.8 grams of marijuana, two scales, and €1,535 in cash were seized, and arrests were made.
That very incident led to a report that fully reconstructed the events, from the illegal construction of the residential unit to the unlawful use of the condominium premises. And it was possible to issue a seizure order.
In the early hours of today, the Carabinieri of the Sant'Antioco Station, with the support of the Tratalias and Nuxis stations and the Operational Unit of the Operational and Radiomobile Unit, executed the order issued by the investigating judge.
During the seizure and subsequent personal and house searches, approximately 6 grams of cocaine, divided into doses, and 2 grams of marijuana were found, as well as precision scales, packaging materials, and cutting agents, as well as €410 in cash believed to be the proceeds of drug dealing.
Today's operation culminated in the arrest of the two men, who were deemed seriously suspected of conspiracy to possess narcotics with intent to distribute. They were immediately brought before the Court of Cagliari for a preliminary hearing. The condominium premises remain under preventive seizure, to protect residents and restore legality in the common areas.
