Alleged crime boss denies all charges

ROME, Feb. 19 (UPI) -- The alleged boss of the 'Ndrangheta crime organization denied all charges against him by Italian officials following his 18 years on the run.

Police arrested Pasquale Condello, 58; his nephew, Giandomenico Condello, 28; and son-in-law Giovanni Barilla, 30; and another unnamed person in a raid Monday evening.

More than 100 Italian police officials descended on an apartment in the southern Italian city of Reggio Calabria, finally arresting Condello, the reputed head of 'Ndrangheta, the Italian news agency, ANSA, reported Tuesday.

Police officials said Condello was "cool and detached" during his arrest and said "I have nothing to do with your investigations, with gang wars nor with the charges for which you have issued nine arrest warrants against me."

Officials said they believe Condello ran an extensive drug trafficking, extortion and racketeering ring that extended through much of Italy, racking up four life sentences in abstentia along the way, ANSA said.

A 2006 report from Italy's national crime agency said the 'Ndrangheta organization ran a cocaine operation in Europe that generated more than $50 billion per year.

Officials say the 'Ndrangheta organization is the most powerful mob organization in Italy, rivaling the Sicilian Cosa Nostra and Camorra in Naples.