Maxi-Anti-Mafia Operation in Palermo: 183 arrests and mandates eliminated.

Mafia districts in Palermo and Province eliminated: 183 restrictive measures

From the first light of dawn, The Carabinieri of the Provincial Command of Palermo are conducting a vast anti-mafia operation in execution of 183 restrictive measures ordered by the GIP of the Court of Palermo and the District Anti-Mafia Directorate of the local Public Prosecutor's Office. The operation is the result of an intense investigative activity aimed at hitting the Cosa Nostra structures still active in the territory.

Law enforcement in the field

A total of approximately 1.200 Carabinieri are involved, with air support from a helicopter of the 9th Helicopter Unit of Palermo. The Provincial Commands of Sicily, the Anti-Crime Department of the ROS of Palermo, the “red berets” of the Squadron Eliportato Cacciatori di Sicilia, the 12th “Sicilia” Regiment, the 14th “Calabria” Battalion and other specialized components of the Force are participating in the operations. The impressive deployment of forces was necessary to guarantee the success of the operation and prevent possible reactions from criminal organizations.

The areas involved and the objectives of the operation

The operation, which also involved other Italian cities, is aimed at dismantling the mafia districts of the city of Palermo and its province, in particular those of:

• New door
• Pagliarelli
• Thomas Christmas – St. Lawrence
• Santa Maria del Gesu
• Bagheria

These districts are historical nerve centers of Cosa Nostra's illicit activities, from which extortion, drug trafficking and territorial control were managed.

The alleged crimes

Those arrested are held responsible, to varying degrees, for:

• Mafia-type criminal association
• Attempted murder
• Extortion (consummated or attempted), aggravated by mafia methods
• Association for the purpose of illicit drug trafficking
• Personal aiding and abetting
• Weapons Offences
• Crimes against property and the person
• Illegal gambling practice

The investigations revealed how those arrested were involved in a complex criminal system aimed at maintaining control of the territory through intimidation and violence.

A hard blow to organized crime

The operation represents a severe blow to Cosa Nostra and demonstrates the constant commitment of law enforcement in the fight against organized crime. The investigation will continue to bring to justice all those involved and ensure that mafia organizations are unable to reconstitute their command structures.

The authorities have underlined the importance of citizens' collaboration in denouncing mafia activities, a key element in consolidating legality and promoting the development of a territory too often oppressed by crime.