Italian Police Seize Courier and Heroin
- Share via
PALERMO, Sicily — A man was arrested on his way to New York on Wednesday carrying a large consignment of heroin, and Italian police sources said the Mafia is believed to have established a new drug connection with the United States.
Police said that Nicola Rao, 33, an automobile tire dealer with no criminal record, was carrying seven pounds of high-grade heroin worth an estimated $2 million in a body belt and in bags tied to his legs.
He was arrested early Wednesday at Palermo airport as he was about to catch a flight to New York via Rome.
The police operation followed the arrest in Palermo two weeks ago of another courier carrying 4.5 pounds of high-grade heroin.
Police sources said the seizures indicated that the Sicilian Mafia has built a new heroin refinery and re-established its supply lines to the U.S. market.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
