Nearly 150 arrested in historic crackdown on Sicilian mafia

Italian police conducted a significant operation against the Sicilian mafia, Cosa Nostra, resulting in nearly 150 arrests in Palermo. This coordinated effort, involving over 1,200 officers, was described as the largest crackdown on the mafia since 1984, with warrants issued for a total of 183 individuals on serious charges including attempted murder, extortion, and drug trafficking. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Palermo's Mayor Roberto Lagalla praised the operation, emphasizing its importance in combating organized crime that still exerts considerable influence in the region. Investigations revealed that the mafia has adapted its operations, using encrypted smartphones to maintain control and coordinate activities despite law enforcement efforts. The raids underscore the ongoing challenges posed by organized crime in Sicily, where Cosa Nostra continues to recruit young individuals and operate covertly. Authorities remain committed to dismantling the mafia's structure and curtailing its pervasive impact on Sicilian society.