International crackdown against 'Ndrangheta
In a coordinated police operation involving more than 2,700 officers, more than 100 suspected members of the Calabrian 'Ndrangheta mafia network were arrested and abundant evidence seized in eight European countries as well as Brazil and Panama on 3 May. Commentators hail the operation as a major success and stress the role played by international cooperation.
The state is not powerless
The operation proves that the police can counter internationally organised crime, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung rejoices:
“The daily news sometimes gives the impression that criminals are the biggest profiteers from open borders and markets. But even under these conditions the state is not powerless. When the security authorities of several countries work together many arrests can be made, as has now been the case from Italy to Panama. ... The police have shown what they can do, and they deserve our unreserved praise for it.”
Success through grit and courage
This is the only way to get the better of the mafia, La Vanguardia applauds:
“The significant international connections of this organisation, which is present in more than 40 countries, exceeded the possibilities of the Italian authorities. Three years ago they asked Europol for help, and the first result of this work became known yesterday. ... The fight against the mafia on a global scale requires great perseverance on the part of politicians, the justice system and the police, as well as a lot of courage, because the organisation has a great capacity to retaliate and regroup. ... Even in the 21st century it is still a constant enemy that must be relentlessly pursued. So this new cooperation among European police authorities is to be warmly welcomed.”