From drugs to protection rackets, here is the financial engine of Cosa Nostra
by Editorial Staff

May 28, 2025

Drug trafficking remains the most powerful financial engine of Cosa Nostra. According to the Anti-Mafia Investigation Directorate, the Sicilian organization has "established relationships and forms of cooperation with the 'Ndrangheta, the Camorra and foreign entities" to fuel the flow of cocaine and hashish to Sicily.

The preferred routes pass through Spain, Belgium, Germany and South America. And in Palermo, the neighborhoods of Brancaccio, Ciaculli, Corso dei Mille, Porta Nuova and Vucciria remain the points of reference for dealing and sorting.

Alongside drug trafficking, the second pillar of Cosa Nostra is the control of the legal economy. "The persuasive methods avoid violence - explains the DIA - limiting themselves to the imposition of goods, services and labor at increased prices". Entrepreneurs are not always unaware victims.

The full article in the Giornale di Sicilia on newsstands and in the digital edition.