46 alleged aides of mafia boss arrested

Authorities in Sicily said today they had arrested 46 people suspected of providing logistical support to top Mafia fugitive Bernardo Provenzano.

Anti-Mafia investigators in Palermo said those arrested had helped Provenzano maintain a communication network with other mobsters from hiding.

Provenzano reportedly took over at the head of the Sicilian Mafia after the arrest of former boss Toto Riina in 1993. He has been on the run for 41 years.

The suspects arrested are also accused of murder, extortion and the possession of arms and drugs, the statement said. It said the arrests were ordered because some of the most dangerous suspects were planning to flee, and because of their continuing alleged criminal activities.

The statement said around 1,000 police were involved in the raid, carrying out hundreds of searches.