
More than 1200 police officers took part in the major operation, and the Carabinieri military police said the action was aimed at the development of the mafia in the area. In the raids, the largest in recent years, Italian authorities have sought to prevent the resurgence of the mafia and its governing body known as the Cupola.
Several mafia bosses have been released from prison in recent months after appeals, but investigators allege that those still behind bars have been using encrypted mobile phones to continue their activities.
It has been proven that the Sicilian mafia Cosa Nostra has changed the practices of its founders and that it no longer needs personal meetings.
Comment: Reuters adds: