Milan, May 21 (LaPresse) – A large-scale operation by the Carabinieri against the 'Ndrangheta has been underway since dawn across 14 provinces. The operation involves the execution of three pre-trial detention orders issued by the Investigating Judge's Office of the Reggio Calabria Court, at the request of the Anti-Mafia District Directorate (DDA), targeting 97 suspects. Some of the most prominent 'Ndrangheta clans are involved. Their members are accused of various crimes, including mafia-type criminal association, external participation in mafia-type association, conspiracy aimed at trafficking (including international trafficking) of narcotic substances, possession and dealing of drugs, extortion, kidnapping for extortion purposes, mafia-related political-electoral exchange, and illegal possession and carrying of weapons. The operation also includes the preventive seizure of two companies—active in the restaurant and construction sectors—believed to be linked to the suspects and used to support the organization’s illicit activities. The investigation affects the provinces of Reggio Calabria, Milan, Monza and Brianza, Pavia, Nuoro, Bologna, Cosenza, Catanzaro, Vibo Valentia, Rome, Rimini, Verona, Agrigento, and Turin. Among the main charges is the monopolistic control of drug trafficking, managed through a stable and organized structure resulting from an alliance among clans in the province.