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(Montréal, November 22, 2006) - Today we announce a major
police operation targeting traditional Italian organized crime. This
investigation known as Project "COLISÉE" was
launched in 2004. A total of 90 searches are under way this morning
in the Montréal area. Approximately 700 police officers are taking
part in this major operation.
Approximately 90 persons, including Nicolo RIZZUTO (aged 82), Francesco
ARCADI, Francesco DEL BALSO, Lorenzo GIORDANO, Paolo RENDA, Rocco SOLLECITO
and
other affiliated members should be arrested this morning for various
offences.
These persons will all be charged and taken into custody at various
locations in the Montréal area. The accused will appear at the
Montréal
Court House.
More than 1350 criminal charges will be filed against the accused.
The criminal charges include drug importation, conspiracy to import,
drug trafficking, conspiracy to traffic in drugs, gangsterism, bookmaking,
extortion and attempted murder. The assets of some of the accused,
including houses, and bank accounts, have been seized.
This Project was conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) with the assistance
of the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), Service
de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM), Canada Border Services
Agency (CBSA), Service de protection des citoyens de Laval, Revenue Canada and other
partners.
Our Criminal Operations Officer will meet with
the media later during the day to provide an update on the progress of
the operation and on the status of organized crime in Quebec. A press conference
will be held tomorrow to provide details on the various components of
Project COLISÉE.
