Italian police on Monday arrested 99
people suspected of being members of the Puglian Mafia, the
Sacra Corona Unita (United Holy Crown, SCU), in Puglian capital
Bari.
The alleged leaders and associates of Bari's Strisciuglio clan
have been charged with mafia association, drugs and weapons
offences, extortion, grievous bodily harm and affray.
The arrest warrant for the 99 said they had exerted an
"asphyxiating control" of local businesses with protection
rackets.
A prison riot involving 41 inmates in January 2016 helped change
the balance between the clans, police also said.
Bari Mayor Antonio Decaro hailed the police operation saying
"today Bari is freer and can look to the future with more
confidence".
He said the police had landed a "very heavy blow" on the local
Mob.
The SCU is Italy's fourth and smallest mafia after Calabria's
'Ndrangheta, Sicily's Cosa Nostra and Campania's Camorra.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
