Italian police have arrested 35 members of the Sicilian Cosa Nostra mafia in a major crackdown on drug trafficking and an illegal used oil scheme. The coordinated raids took place in the town of Niscemi on April 22, with officers executing court orders that targeted 35 individuals. Of these, 32 were placed in pre-trial detention and three were placed under house arrest.
Details of the Operation
The operation involved multiple units, including canine units, territorial officers, and helicopter squadrons. Authorities charged the suspects with mafia-type association, external participation in mafia association, aggravated extortion, and illicit competition with violence and threat. Additional charges include aggravated personal aiding, illegal waste trafficking, unauthorised waste management activities, and association aimed at drug trafficking and possession for the purpose of dealing drugs.
Links to Previous Investigation
The investigation builds on a previous operation named 'Mondo Opposto,' which led to arrests in December 2023, including a mafia boss who allegedly controlled territory through intimidation. Investigators revealed that the group had infiltrated the local economy, particularly the used vegetable oil sector, imposing contracts on businesses through threats. They demanded fixed payments from companies per contract and litres of oil collected.
Drug Transactions and Seizures
Authorities uncovered over 200 alleged drug transactions involving approximately 1.5 kilogrammes of cocaine and three kilogrammes of cannabis. Additionally, assets worth £5.19 million linked to the illegal waste trade were seized.
Historical Context
Two years ago, a mafia boss responsible for dozens of murders was finally arrested after 30 years on the run. Matteo Messina Denaro, who went into hiding as a young man, became Italy's most-wanted fugitive. He had a power base in Trapani, western Sicily, and was considered the top Cosa Nostra boss. He was convicted for bombings that killed anti-Mafia prosecutors Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino in 1992, as well as the murder of a mafia informant's young son, who was strangled and dissolved in acid.
