14 Jul 2010

Calabrian mafia members arrested

6:13 am on 14 July 2010

Police in Italy have arrested up to 300 people as part of a major operation against the Calabrian mafia. Among them is the suspected head of the family.

Police say the charges include murder, extortion, and trafficking drugs and weapons.

The Calabrian mafia, known as 'Ndrangheta, is one of Italy's major criminal organisations.

The BBC reports the group had expanded out of its Calabria to play a major role in organised crime throughout Europe and in the international drugs trade from South America.

Police have also seized assets worth millions of euros.