Three Italian mafia-style gangsters were arrested in Marbella, a popular holiday destination in Spain, revealing the city's significant criminal activity. The suspects, Ciro Marigliano, Stanislao Marigliano, and Michele Sannino, are allegedly affiliated with the Camorra, a notorious crime syndicate from Naples, and are now facing serious charges of international drug trafficking.

Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi commented on the arrests, stating: "The arrest of three dangerous fugitives represents a serious blow to organised crime, the result of careful investigative activity and extraordinary collaboration. The determination and high professionalism shown by the Naples police and the Spanish authorities once again highlight the State's ability to effectively combat the most insidious criminal organisations."

Despite law enforcement's efforts, it is estimated that 113 criminal gangs from 59 countries operate in Malaga, where Marbella is situated. These groups, though independent, are known to collaborate and share resources, creating a complex underground economy.

The drug trade in Europe is intricate, with Dutch and Belgian gangs coordinating cocaine shipments with Colombian cartels. Furthermore, the Camorra plays a critical role in the transportation across the continent, while Albanian and Kosovan factions provide weaponry and additional support.

A long-established Camorra member in Marbella stated: "There are groups from all over the world here. People of different nationalities, doing various jobs. We don't intermix, but we're constantly collaborating."

A trafficker from Malaga indicated that gang ambushes, known as vuelcos, occur far more frequently than police raids. Many organizations reportedly hire the Camorra for protection in the Costa del Sol, as shared by one gangster: "We guarantee the success of the operation and are paid in advance."

"Everyone knows that if something happens with the shipment, there will be consequences. If you try something, we'll kill you. Usually, the shipment has a GPS tracker. If at any point the signal disappears, we will kill you,” a gangster disclosed.

Despite being a popular destination for British holidaymakers, the Costa del Sol has experienced its share of violent incidents. In 2022, a corpse with holes drilled through its toes was discovered in a storage unit, while another man was found wrapped in clingfilm in an apartment complex after a violent shooting and stabbing at Opium Beach Club shocked tourists.

Additionally, in September 2022, a significant setback for Italian gangsters occurred when police apprehended 32 suspects linked to the Ndrangheta, a group notorious for extreme violence and torture, on charges of drug trafficking and money laundering. This operation involved up to 500 law enforcement officers, supported by Europol.

Europol later confirmed the confiscation of a substantial drug haul and stated that the arrested gang played a significant role in cocaine and cannabis trafficking between Spain and Italy, utilizing specially modified vehicles and speedboats. “Members of this criminal organisation routinely employed violence, including torture, to achieve their criminal goals. Some arrestees are linked to several murders in Italy,” Europol added.