Spartan,
When were the Musitanos released form jail and why are they often considered second tier?
I think they were released in 2007/08, but I'm not sure.
Their operations are not as big as other families/Clans. They are not involved in as much legitimate business as the other families/Clans (so have less cash flow). In terms of numbers they are much smaller. Their claim to fame is getting a reject ex-biker to kill Papalia and Barillaro (a crime in which the reject confessed).
If for example, the Musitanos dared move against the Commissos, they'd be finished within a month. They simply don't have the money, manpower, prestige, or allies....and they are not integrated into Ontario's Ndrangheta structure.
Granted they aren't as powerful as other families in the GTA but they still got the green light to get rid of Papalia.
Them being released in 07-08 can be somehow linked to Montreal's current situation. Just speculation.
NOONE liked Papalia (or Barillaro). He was a senile old guy that everyone hated. He was backed by Buffalo, but Buffalo's LCN family ceased to mean anything in Toronto a long time ago. If the Musitanos didn't take out Papalia, the Calabrian clans would have put him somewhere in the bottom of Lake Ontario.
I know the Musitano's are a violent bunch......their one uncle was extremely insane.
I think they may have fallen in line and linked up with the Hamilton/Toronto Families/Clans.
I personally believe the Toronto/Hamilton guys all act as one right now (because it's better for business)....and there are a lot of guys. Plus the Ontario HA's play a subservient role. So Ontario acts as one.
I think all of Ontario is backing one faction in Montreal (which is obviously Calabrian), but I'm curious to see what Ontario's role will be once the dust settles.
