Sweeping Italian mafia raids results in 7 arrests by Montreal police [Video]

Authorities in Montreal have arrested seven suspects in an organized crime sweep on Wednesday morning targeting the city’s Italian mafia.

Police say the individuals face various charges, including drug trafficking, possession of substances for the purpose of trafficking, and committing an offence for the benefit of a criminal organization.

The suspects are six men between the ages of 34 and 59, and one 44-year-old woman.

Police say 40 officers were involved in the operation.

All seven suspects are allegedly linked to what police called a “traditional Italian organized crime clan,” a release from the SPVM says.

The series of arrests took place in the LaSalle, Verdun and Brossard areas.

All seven suspects were expected to appear in court on Wednesday.

The raids, dubbed ‘Operation Americano’, were led by the Montreal police’s anti-gang unit.

Cmdr. Francis Renaud, head of the Montreal police’s organized crime section, said the operation would disrupt organized crime in the city’s LaSalle and Verdun neighbourhoods.

The investigation involved significant …