Italian police on Tuesday arrested
40 people in a sweep of Catania-based Cosa Nostra clans that
also bagged alleged mafiosi operating in Siracusa, Cosenza and
Bologna.he 40 have been charged with mafia association, drug
trafficking, extortion and conspiracy to commit fraud against
social security and pensions agency INPS.
Police said their investigation had enabled them to map out the
power and command structure of the Santapaola-Ercolano clan at
Paternò and Belpasso, two towns near Catania.
Police said they had found a "picture of grave mafia pollution
of the economic fabric, as shown by the identification of
several businessmen who willingly favoured the clan's illicit
activities".
They cited the example of a fruit and vegetable company owner
who used the clan's protection to beat competitors and help him
settle loans.
The Santapaola-Ercolano clan, police said, was planning to bring
in "huge" quantities of cocaine in banana containers from
Ecuador.
The mafiosi also allegedly stashed marijuana in the local
cemetery, police said.
The clan is run from prison by superboss Benedetto 'Nitto'
Santapaola.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
