Women bosses arrested in Italian anti-Mafia operation

Dec 20, 2006, 10:54 GMT

Bari, Italy - Italian magistrates issued more than 100 arrest warrants Wednesday against as many suspected mobsters operating in the southern region of Apulia on charges of Mafia association, extortion and drugs trafficking.

The arrested include eight women believed to have taken up leading posts within the local Valentini clan.

The Valentinis had been involved in a turf war with the rival Conte-Cassano family for control of the region's illegal drugs market. The clashes led to six murders between 2003 and 2006.

Police also seized 25 million euros (33 million dollars) in Mafia assets, including 27 bank accounts, six shops, 13 cars and six flats, believed to have been bought using drugs money.

The investigation revealed that women played a leading role within the organization. Their tasks included ensuring affiliates would obey orders, hiding weapons and paying salaries.

Drugs peddlers were paid 250 euros per week while bosses received weekly salaries of up to 5,000 euros.

Wednesday's police operation involved 800 carabinieri officers, with some of the arrested caught in northern Italy.