I know alot of folks on this board have exstensive knowledge in regards to the Mafia and organized crime and was wondering if anyone would be able to provide me with some information regarding 'Zips'.

In Donnie Brasco sicilians brought over to the United States to sell/smuggle heroin under the guise of running pizzeria's are referred to as Zips. However in one or two episode's of the Soprano's Zips refer to Sicilians in general.

I was just wodnering if anyone had any knowledge on this term; what it actually refers too? where it comes from? and any other information as I am very interested!