70 suspects, 35 arrests. It is the balance of the maxi operation carried out by the carabinieri del Ros and the provincial command of Trapani against the alleged supporters of the fugitive Matteo Messina Denaro, one of the most wanted in the world for about 30 years.

The investigation, which revolves around leading exponents of the mafia districts of Trapani, concerns various hypotheses of crime ranging from mafia-type association, to extortion, to the troubled freedom of enchantments, illegal carrying of weapons, game of gambling and others related to drugs, all aggravated by the mafia method and modalities. Search and seizure decrees are also in progress.

In particular, the role of a "man of honor" from Campobello di Mazara emerged, Francesco Luppino, recently released from prison and already a protagonist in the past of relations with top members of the Cosa Nostra Palermitana. He would have received direct indications from Messina Denaro to establish the leaders of the family, such as the regent of Petrosino. The Castelvetrano boss would also have asked for an account of the appointment of the regent of the important district of Mazara del Vallo, which remained vacant after the Year Zero operation.

(Unioneonline / ss)