Police swoop down on organized crime in Que. and arrest 69 people

Whitehorse Star. Whitehorse, Y.T.: Nov 22, 2006. pg. 12

MONTREAL (CP) -- Police launched a sweeping crackdown on organized crime in Montreal today, arresting 69 people, including a Canada Border Services Agency employee and about 10 airport employees.

Police issued 90 arrest warrants and said about 1,000 charges in all are expected to be laid. Earlier RCMP reports said more than 1,350 charges would be laid.

Those nabbed included 82-year-old Nicolo Rizzuto, father of Vito Rizzuto, who was deported to the United States earlier this year to face charges related to the murder of three members of the reputed Bonanno crime family in New York.

"We realized that the organization had infiltrated the Montreal airport," RCMP Cpl. Luc Bessette told a news conference. "Ten people who worked there or used to work there will be charged.

"They were helping them (the organization) import cocaine through the airport."

Bessette said a second Canada Border Services Agency employee is also being sought.

A total of 300 kilograms of cocaine was also found in a container on a train that arrived in Montreal from the United States.

Antonio Nicaso, a Mafia expert, said the arrest of Nicolo Rizzuto and two other alleged mobsters is "a significant blow" to organized crime in Montreal.