The carabinieri seized the carcasses of 235 dormice dormice kept in plastic bags stored in a freezer by three people in Delianuova, Reggino, who were arrested on charges of capturing and killing protected species.
The military also found numerous specimens of live dormice kept in cages.
The three are also accused of drug production, they are held responsible for a marijuana cultivation started on a communal land, consisting of 730 plants.
The dormouse, a protected species, has always been considered the main dish of the tables among exponents of the 'Ndrangheta. Those who know the 'Ndrangheta claim that it is part of the archaic ritual, and that there is no lunch, dinner or peacemaker meeting in which these rodents are not eaten.
Bosses always make the most important decisions in front of a plate of roasted dormouse. In several interceptions it emerged that the 'Ndranghtisti recommend themselves with the organizers of the banquets so that the delicious rodent is never missing at the table.
Many violate the law to get dormice, which are hunted at night, when hunting activities are not allowed. The Lipu of Reggio Calabria in recent years has sent numerous exhibits in which it reported hundreds of poachers who placed traps on trees to capture dormice.
(Unioneonline / L)
