Mafia gang that fed live victim to pigs nabbed

(ANSA) – Reggio Calabria, November 26 – Italian police on Tuesday said they broke up a mafia gang that fed one of its victims alive to pigs. The Mazzagatti family, part of the Calabria-based ‘Ndrangheta mafia, is accused of murdering rival gangster Francesco Raccosta by feeding him to swine, favored by hitmen for their ability to chew and digest bone. Raccosta was killed along with Carmine Putrino, police said, who did not elaborate on the method. Both victims were from the Ferraro-Raccosta gang, police said.

The ‘Ndrangheta are believed to be the most powerful Italian mafia, rivaling their competitors with a virtual monopoly of the European cocaine trade.