Calabrian councillor arrested in anti-mafia operation

(ANSA) - Reggio Calabria, December 21 - A city councillor from the southern city of Reggio Calabria is one of seven people arrested by police in an anti-mafia operation on Wednesday. Police have accused Giuseppe Plutino, 47, a member of the People of Freedom Party, of mafia association in an operation targeting the Caridi clan of the Calabrian mafia, known as 'ndrangheta. Anti-mafia investigators claim Plutino, who has served three terms in office, is a political representative of the clan. Members of the Caridi clan have been accused of extortion, intimidation and causing damage to businesses in several areas of Reggio Calabria, in particular to Ciccrello, Modena and San Giorgio Extra.