Ardore
The presence of the 'ndrangheta in the province of Reggio Calabria
The 'ndrangheta has been present in the province of Reggio Calabria since the 19th century. Currently, there are over 10 active locales in this province, with a total of 7,358 suspected members. Reggio Calabria is the province where the criminal phenomenon is most pervasive and where the historic 'ndrine are located.
The division of the province of Reggio Calabria
Since 2010, it is known that the province of Reggio Calabria is divided into three areas: Mandamento Jonico, Mandamento Tirrenico, and Città ('ndrangheta). Additionally, it has been discovered that the Crimine ('ndrangheta) or Crimine di Polsi is the decision-making body that manages the entire 'ndrangheta organization. The three areas differ in the operating methods of the 'ndrine. For example, those in the Tirrenico mandate use territorial control in a relatively wealthy area, while those in the poorer Mar Ionio area began by exploiting kidnappings for ransom and then invested the money in drug trafficking. The area of the city of Reggio Calabria is also divided into three zones: North, Center, and South.
The structure of the Crown
The "Saggezza" operation on November 13, 2012, led to the discovery of a new structure above the five Aspromonte locales in Antonimina, Ardore, Canolo, Ciminà, and Cirella di Platì: the Crown, led by Vincenzo Melia as the Capo-Corona. This structure seems to have been created to settle disputes within small locals, to grant favors, and to be economically competitive with other more prestigious 'ndrangheta locales.
The periodic meeting of the Crimine ('ndrangheta)
The Crimine ('ndrangheta) is the apex supervisory structure of the Calabrian criminal organization, and it periodically meets in the province of Reggio Calabria.
List of locales in the province of Reggio Calabria
There are 33 locales in the province of Reggio Calabria, with five societies: Melito Porto Salvo, Polistena, Reggio Calabria, Rosarno, and Siderno. Some of the better-known locales are Antonimina, Africo, Ardore, Bagnara Calabra, Caulonia, Cassari di Nardodipace, Ciminà, Cirella di Platì, Cinquefrondi, Gioia Tauro, Laureana di Borrello, Oppido Mamertina, Platì, and Palmi. Some locals have minor 'ndrine, such as the Catona locale led by Domenico Rugolino. Others were founded by famous people, such as the Bova locale, founded by the Blood Brothers of Nicola Gratteri and Antonio Nicaso.
Overall, the presence of the 'ndrangheta in the province of Reggio Calabria is widespread and represents a constant threat to legality. However, thanks to the operations of law enforcement, many people involved in these illicit activities have been arrested and brought to justice.
