Italian police and the FBI simultaneously carried out busts of the Italian mafia Monday night on both sides of the Atlantic.
The official FBI New York Twitter account tweeted early Tuesday morning, "Major mafia round-up this morning in New York and Italy. Details to follow."
"Eight suspects have been arrested in the U.S. nearly two dozen in Italy. They are accused of smuggling cocaine in crates of coconuts and pineapples bound for the United States." (Via ABC)
The raid was code-named 'New Bridge' because the operation was focused on breaking up a new drug smuggling route into the Italian port of Goia Tauro. (Via Google Earth)
The major arrests on both coasts include members of some of the most powerful mob families in New York including the infamous Gambino family.
According to the New York Times the investigation now shifts to the 'Ndrangheta Mafia Group which has stirred up controversy recently for the alleged murder of a three year old boy in Italy.
"Killed like a old boss, an old mafia boss."
"Police say Coco had been shot at point blank range in the back of his head." (Via CNN)
Gazetta Del Sud, an Italian newspaper describes the 'Ndrangheta Mafia Group as "Italy's most powerful crime syndicate with contacts and activities across the globe."
According to CNN these arrests in Italy and New York are the grand finale of a two year joint investigation by the FBI in New York and Italian law enforcement.
