Over 180 People Arrested in Major Raid Against Cosa Nostra Mafia in Sicily
On the Italian island of Sicily, law enforcement officers conducted a large-scale raid against the Cosa Nostra mafia clan, during which more than 180 people were detained, ANSA reports.
In the island's capital, Palermo, a large-scale operation was carried out under the coordination of the district anti-mafia department, covering the area around the city. It involved about 1,200 law enforcement officers from all over Sicily.
As a result of the raids, 181 people were detained, including representatives of all levels of the Cosa Nostra clan, from ‘bosses’ to local ‘coordinators’. The detentions took place both in Palermo and in other regions.
The operation was preceded by an investigation that revealed an attempt by Cosa Nostra to resume its activities after a series of arrests in previous years.
In particular, it became clear that some imprisoned members of the clan were able to illegally obtain communication equipment, which they used to maintain contact with their associates on the outside and give orders from behind bars.
Investigators found that the ‘bosses’ used this communication system to coordinate drug trafficking and organise meetings.
The detainees face charges of creating a criminal organisation, attempted murder, drug trafficking, illegal arms trafficking and other crimes.