Ciminà
The 'Ndrangheta in the Province of Reggio Calabria
The province of Reggio Calabria hosts the largest presence of 'Ndrangheta in Italy, with over 10 active locales and 7,358 alleged members. The criminal phenomenon has been rooted in the area since the 19th century and is divided into three areas: Jonico, Tirrenico, and Città ('Ndrangheta). The city of Reggio Calabria is further divided into three areas: North, Center, and South, which include different historical clans.
Structure
The structure of the 'Ndrangheta in the province of Reggio Calabria is divided into local clans, which refer to the three upper-level structures: Jonico, Tirrenico, and Città ('Ndrangheta). A new structure emerged in 2012, called Corona, which coordinates the five small locales in the area. Periodically, the Crimine ('Ndrangheta), the top-level structure of the Calabrian criminal organization, also meets.
List of Locales
The province of Reggio Calabria has 33 locales and 5 companies. Some of the best-known locales are Antoniminina, Africo, Ardore, Bagnara Calabra, Catona, Caulonia, Cassari di Nardodipace, Ciminà, Cirella di Platì, and Condera Pietrastorta.
The Areas of the 'Ndrangheta
The areas of the 'Ndrangheta also differ in the way the clans operate. For example, those in the Tirrenico area use territorial control in a relatively economically rich area, while in the Mar Ionio area, which is poorer and predominantly mountainous, they initially focused on kidnappings and then moved on to international drug trafficking. However, all clans apply strong pressure on existing commercial activities.
Conclusions
The 'Ndrangheta is a well-established reality in the province of Reggio Calabria, but it is important to emphasize that most of its inhabitants are honest and hardworking people. Understanding the structure and activities of the 'Ndrangheta can help combat this criminal phenomenon and protect the community.
