'Ndrangheta gang that took over Rome businesses smashed

(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 9 - Italian police on Wednesday smashed a Calabrian 'Ndrangheta mafia gang that had allegedly taken over a welter of Rome businesses operating in many sectors of the Italian capital's economy, police said.
    Police said a "vast operation" was launched at dawn in Rome, Lazio and the provinces of Cosenza in Calabria and Agrigento in Sicily to round up members of the alleged gang.
    Some 26 people were arrested and over 100 million euros in assets seized.
    Police said the Calabrian mafia, Italy's richest and most powerful thanks to its control of the European cocaine trade, had infiltrated numerous business sectors including the fish business, baking, pastry shops, leather and oils.
    They allegedly physically threatened and beat up anyone who tried to oppose their takeovers, police said.
    The 26 arrestees are charged with mafia association, kidnapping and fraudulently taking over assets. (ANSA).